Assessment Spotlight
Email updates sent out through the California Department of Education statewide assessments electronic mailing lists.The California Department of Education (CDE) Assessment Spotlight is a regular email for K–12 educators, including testing coordinators, that reports on current and upcoming activities related to statewide testing (PDF).
To join the email list, send a blank message to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov. If you would like to unsubscribe from the CDE statewide assessments listserv, send a blank message to unsubscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov.
The following links direct users to a list of topics covered within each update:
- Issue 231 – May 12, 2023
- Issue 230 – May 5, 2023
- Issue 229 – April 28, 2023
- Issue 228 – April 21, 2023
- Issue 227 – April 14, 2023
- Issue 226 – April 7, 2023
- Issue 225 – March 24, 2023
- Issue 224 – March 10, 2023
- Issue 223 – March 3, 2023
- Issue 222 – February 17, 2023
- Issue 221 – February 10, 2023
- Issue 220 – February 3, 2023
- Issue 219 – January 27, 2023
- Issue 218 – January 20, 2023
- Issue 217 – January 13, 2023
- Issue 216 – January 6, 2023
- Issue 215 – December 16, 2022
- Issue 214 – December 9, 2022
- Issue 213 – December 2, 2022
- Issue 212 – November 18, 2022
- Issue 211 – November 11, 2022
- Issue 210 – November 4, 2022
- Issue 209 – October 28, 2022
- Issue 208 – October 21, 2022
- Issue 207 – October 14, 2022
- Issue 206 – October 7, 2022
- Issue 205 – September 30, 2022
- Issue 204 – September 23, 2022
- Issue 203 – September 16, 2022
- Issue 202 – September 9, 2022
- Issue 201 – September 2, 2022
- Issue 200 – August 26, 2022
- Issue 199 – August 19, 2022
- Issue 198 – August 12, 2022
- Issue 197 – August 5, 2022
- Issue 196 – July 29, 2022
- Issue 195 – July 22, 2022
- Issue 194 – July 8, 2022
- Issue 193 – July 1, 2022
- Issue 192 – June 24, 2022
- Issue 191 – June 17, 2022
- Issue 190 – June 10, 2022
- Issue 189 – June 3, 2022
- Issue 188 – May 27, 2022
- Issue 187 – May 20, 2022
- Issue 186 – May 13, 2022
- Issue 185 – May 6, 2022
- Issue 184 – April 29, 2022
- Issue 183 – April 22, 2022
- Issue 182 – April 15, 2022
- Issue 181 – April 8, 2022
- Issue 180 – April 1, 2022
- Issue 179 – March 25, 2022
- Issue 178 – March 18, 2022
- Issue 177 – March 11, 2022
- Issue 176 – March 4, 2022
- Issue 175 – February 25, 2022
- Issue 174 – February 18, 2022
- Issue 173 – February 11, 2022
- Issue 172 – February 4, 2022
- Issue 171 – January 28, 2022
- Issue 170 – January 21, 2022
- Issue 169 – January 14, 2022
- Issue 168 – January 7, 2022
Abbreviation | Definition |
---|---|
CAA | California Alternate Assessment |
CAASPP | California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress |
CAC | California Assessment Conference |
CALPADS | California Longitudinal Pupil Data System |
CAST | California Science Test |
CERS | California Educator Reporting System |
CHSPE | California High School Proficiency Examination |
CSA | California Spanish Assessment |
ELPAC | English Language Proficiency Assessments for California |
HSE | high school equivalency |
ICILS | International Computer and Information Literacy Study |
LEA | local educational agency |
STAIRS | Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System |
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 231 – May 12, 2023
- 2023 California Assessment Conference Call for Proposals
- Focus on Test Security—What Happens After I Submit My Appeal?
- May’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Qrazy Quadratic Quations
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 230 – May 5, 2023
- Registration Now Open for the 2023–24 Introduction to CERS Training
- Registration Open for 2023 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings!
- Reporting Physical Fitness Test Results
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 229 – April 28, 2023
- Close of the ELPAC Testing Window Quickly Approaching!
- Focus on Test Security—Pause Rules and Grace Period Extensions
- California High School Equivalency Program
- California High School Proficiency Examination
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 228 – April 21, 2023
- 2023 California Assessment Conference—Registration Now Open
- Discover the Power of Peer-to-Peer Learning!
- Focus on Test Security—What Not to Report in STAIRS
- 2022–23 Sample Student Score Reports Available Now
- Charter School Assessment Coordinators—Charter Network Quarterly Meeting Is Next Week!
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 227 – April 14, 2023
- Reminder—Register for CERS Spring Training Sessions
- April’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Shades of Meaning
- 2023 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Summer Convenings
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 226 – April 7, 2023
- Requesting Unlisted Resources
- California Spanish Assessment—Educators Urgently Needed!
- Focus on Test Security: Overview of the STAIRS/Appeals Process
- Updates to the 2022–23 ELPAC Information Guide
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 224 – March 10, 2023
- March's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Ants are Superorganisms
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 223 – March 3, 2023
- New Coordinator Training Webinar #5—Preparing to Receive Scores
- 2023 California Assessment Conference – Save the Date
- Reminder to Complete ELPAC Certification Courses in Moodle
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 222 – February 17, 2023
- California Assessment Accessibility Resource Matrix for 2022–23: Minor Updates
- Registration Open for Spring Training—Accessing Summative Assessment Results in CERS
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 221 – February 10, 2023
- Assignment of Designated Supports and Accommodations—Data Posted
- Science Resources Reminder: Desmos Calculators and Science Reference Tools
- February's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Place Value Rumble
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 220 – February 3, 2023
- Request Form Now Available—Golden State Seal Merit Diploma
- Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC Testing Has Begun
- Reminder to Complete LEA ELPAC Certification
- Translated Versions of Parent Guide to Understanding—Now Available
- Webinar Reminder: Supporting Student Success with Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 219 – January 27, 2023
- Assistance to Storm-afffected Local Educational Agencies
- Now Available—Asynchronous Hand Scoring Modules for Scoring Smarter Balanced Performance Tasks
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 218 – January 20, 2023
- Reminder: Organization of the Science Tests Flyers are Available
- Educators Needed for Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners Field Test
- High School Equivalency and Proficiency 2022–23 Webinar Series
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 217 – January 13, 2023
- Tools for Teachers: Science Educator Interest Survey
- January's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Inspiring Investigation: Interpreting & Analyzing Figurative Language
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 216 – January 6, 2023
- New Coordinator Training Webinar #4—Test Security
- California Science Test Updates
- Supporting Student Success with Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers Webinar
- 2022–23 Physical Fitness Test Administration Updates
- System Downtime Underway
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 215 – December 16, 2022
- California Assessment System Testing Windows, 2022–23
- Educator Opportunity: California Spanish Assessment Development
- Field Test: Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners
- Registration Open for Spring 2023 CHSPE
- Changes Coming for CHSPE Test Series
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 214 – December 9, 2022
- December's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Interim Assessment Connections Playlist for Mathematics Performance Task
- Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 213 – December 2, 2022
- Reminders and Resources for Administering the CAA for Science
- Desmos Art Contest
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 212 – November 18, 2022
- Field Test of Observation Protocol for Teachers of English Learners
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 211 – November 11, 2022
- November's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Explore World Climates with Climatograms
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 210 – November 4, 2022
- Register Today for the November Webinar on Formative Assessment and Accessibility Strategies
- High School Equivalency and CHSPE Webinar Series
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 209 – October 28, 2022
- 2021–22 Assessment Results Release
- LEAs: Last Day to Complete Your 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey!
- California Assessment Accessibility Resource Graphics for 2022–23
- New Videos on the Use of Smarter Balanced Tools!
- Instructional and Professional Learning Resources to Support Deeper Learning of Performance Tasks
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 208 – October 21, 2022
-
Data-Driven Decision-Making for Educational Leaders, Module 1: Two Opportunities Remaining
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 207 – October 14, 2022
- CSA Item Writer Workshop Next Month!
- 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey—Deadline Extended to October 28
- October's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Hatching a Plan
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 206 – October 7, 2022
- Last Day to Register: California Assessment Conference
- Data-Drive Decision-Making Trainings for Educational Leaders
- California Assessment Accessibility Resource Matrix for 2022–23
- LEAs: Complete Your 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey
- Fall ELPAC New Coordinator Trainings—Register Now
- California Educator Reporting System Training Opportunities
- Boosting Instruction with Formative Assessment and Accessibility Strategies
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 205 – September 30, 2022
- 2022 California Assessment Conference—Secure Your Spot Today
- Now Available: 1.0 Percent Threshold Survey
- State Board of Education Approves Use of Smarter Balanced Adjusted Form Blueprints
- Fall Interim Hand Scoring Sessions Begin Next Week!
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 204 – September 23, 2022
- 2022 California Assessment Conference: Spots Still Available
- Don't Miss Out! Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar Next Week
- High School Equivalency: A Transition is in Progress!
- Testing Transitional Kindergarten Students with the Initial ELPAC
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 203 – September 16, 2022
- Census Day Reminder to Complete the Initial ELPAC and Initial Alternate ELPAC
- Register for the September Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 202 – September 9, 2022
- 2022 California Assessment Conference: Register Today to Learn from Your Colleagues Across the State
- CSA Item Writer Workshop: Spots Still Available
- Spots Still Available for the 2022 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series Fall Sessions!
- Registration Remains Open for the Introduction to CERS Fall Training Sessions
- High School Equivalency: A Transition is on the Way!
- California High School Proficiency Exam
- September's Featured Professional Learning Resource in Tools for Teachers—Effective School-Home Partnerships!
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 201 – September 2, 2022
- Opportunity This Fall: Smarter Balanced Math Item Review!
- October 18–20: CAC to Feature Inspiring Keynote Speakers and Array of Sessions
- October 27: New Coordinator Training Series, Webinar 3—Student Practice
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 200 – August 26, 2022
- 2022 California Assessment Conference: Schedule and Registration Available!
- New Coordinator Training Webinar 2—Accessibility Coming Next Month
- CAST High School Reference Sheet Updated!
- Key Dates for California High School Proficiency Exam
- Reminder: Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 199 – August 19, 2022
- LEA Access to Smarter Balanced Aggregate Area/Claim Results
- Recent Resource Updates: Assessment Timeline, System Chart, and Parent Guides
- CSA Item Writer Workshop: Application Deadline Next Month
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 198 – August 12, 2022
- Now Available! 2022–23 ELPAC Information Guide
- Register Now for Summer CAASPP New Coordinator Training!
- New Resource—Organization of the CAA for Science
- August's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Radical Learning
- Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 197 – August 5, 2022
- Now Available! 2022–23 Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments
- 2022–23 CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides!
- 2022–23 Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar Series
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 196 – July 29, 2022
- 2022 Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting Starts Next Week!
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 195 – July 22, 2022
- Space Available! Math Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Training Next Week
- Reminder—Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 194 – July 8, 2022
- July's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—In Defense of Kelp
- High School Equivalency Summer Convenings in August!
- Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 193 – July 1, 2022
- New Alternate ELPAC Notification Letters Now Available!
- Downtime This Weekend for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 192 – June 24, 2022
- ELPAC Checklists for 2022–23 Now Available!
- Initial ELPAC Reminder
- Available Soon: 2022–23 Initial ELPAC and Alternate Initial ELPAC!
- Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 191 – June 17, 2022
- Deadline Extended: 2022 CAC Call for Shared Practice Proposals
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 190 – June 10, 2022
- Registration for New Coordinator Training Webinars is Now Open
- Summer Trainings for LEA Staff Starting Soon!
- June's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Send in the Colons
- ELPAC Reminders
- California Spanish Assessment Opportunity to Get Involved!
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 189 – June 3, 2022
- 2022 High School Equivalency Summer Covenings in August!
- Alternate ELPAC—Question of the Week
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 188 – May 27, 2022
- 2022 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series—Register Now for Summer Sessions!
- Alternate ELPAC Alignment Workshop—August 1 and 2
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 187 – May 20, 2022
- Updated, Easily Accessible: Quick Reference Guides
- Updated CAA Eligibility Determination Guidance for Parents and Guardians
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 186 – May 13, 2022
- Summer ELPAC New Coordinator Training—Register Now
- California Spanish Assessment Opportunity to Get Involved!
- May's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers: Desmos - Balloon Float
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 185 – May 6, 2022
- 2022 CAC: Call for Shared Practice Proposals
- Educators Still Needed for the Alternate ELPAC Alignment Workshop
- Focus on Test Security—Invalidation Appeal FAQs
- Registration Open for Introduction to CERS Training!
- Plan to Join Us at the 2022 HSE Summer Covenings!
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 184 – April 29, 2022
- Registration for Summer CHSPE Extended to May 6!
- Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting, 2022
- Contacts for Questions About CAASPP and ELPAC Administration
- CAASPP and ELPAC Summative Assessment Windows
- New Tool for Quick Answers to Common Questions!
- High School Science Test Participation
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 183 – April 22, 2022
- Educators Needed for Alternate ELPAC Alignment Workshop!
- Alternate ELPAC English Only Study Extended
- Focus on Test Security—Pause Rules and Grace Period Extensions
- Now Available—Text-to-Speech Accessibility Resource Video!
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 182 – April 15, 2022
- 2022 CAC Registration Now Live!
- CALPADS Downtime
- Administer the CSA to Registered Students
- CSA Questions of the Week
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 181 – April 8, 2022
- New Tool Offers User Friendly Way to Get Answers!
- CAASPP Question of the Week
- Focus on Test Security—What Happens After I Sumbit My STAIRS Appeal?
- April's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—Travel Machine
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 180 – April 1, 2022
- Focus on Test Secuirty—STAIRS Delayed Appeals
- 2021–22 CAA for Science Performance Tasks
- Locations and Dates Announced for 2022 HSE Summer Covenings!
- CALPADS Downtime Postponed to April 6–11
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 179 – March 25, 2022
- Focus on Test Security—What Not to Report in STAIRS
- Downtime Next Week for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 178 – March 18, 2022
- New Coordinator Training: Preparing to Receive Summative Scores
- Focus on Test Security: Overview of the STAIRS/Appeals Process
- Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 177 – March 11, 2022
- New Video on Monitoring Test Completion Status!
- Moodle Training Site Adds New Support Web Page
- ELPAC Question of the Week
- March's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Recharging Our Groundwater
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 176 – March 4, 2022
- High School Science Test Administration: Flyer Available!
- ELPAC Reset Appeals
- LEA Coordinator Webinar on March 23
- Registration Opens Next Week for HSE Summer Convenings
- Save the Date: 2022 CAC in October
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 175 – February 25, 2022
- Returning K–2 ELPAC Writing Answer Books
- ELPAC Question of the Week
- CERS—A Free and Powerful Tool for LEAs
- March 1: Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 174 – February 18, 2022
- New for 2021–22: Easier Use of Speech-to-Text!
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 173 – February 11, 2022
- Volunteer Schools Sought for ICILS Field Test
- Alternate ELPAC Operational Field Test Window Extended to May 31
- Alternate ELPAC English-Only Study Also Extended to May 31
- ELPAC Questions of the Week
- February's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—Four Corners: Writing Linear Inequalities from Graphs
- Security Training for New Coordinators
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 172 – February 4, 2022
- K–2 Educators Needed for Alternate ELPAC Development!
- A Teacher's Best Kept Secret: Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 171 – January 28, 2022
- Student Teachers May Administer Spring 2022 Assessments
- Updated Statewide Notification Template Now Available
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 170 – January 21, 2022
- Formative Assessment Resources Webinar
- Data-Driven Decision Making Webinar
- Security and STAIRS Training for New Coordinators in February
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 169 – January 14, 2022
- Remote Testing for Summative Assessments
- January's Featured Tools for Teachers Resources—Professional Development Modules That Support Social and Emotional Learning
Assessment Spotlight, Issue 168 – January 7, 2022
- 2020–21 Student Data Released
- Downtime Underway for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
- Tools for Teachers and Other Formative Assessment Resources at Your Fingertips—Register Today
- Now Available! Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar Recordings