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 146 – July 9, 2021
Issue 145 – July 2, 2021
Issue 144 – June 25, 2021
Issue 143 – June 18, 2021
Issue 142 – June 11, 2021
Issue 141 – June 4, 2021
Issue 140 – May 28, 2021
Issue 139 – May 21, 2021
Issue 138 – May 14, 2021
Issue 137 – May 7, 2021
Issue 136 – April 30, 2021
Issue 135 – April 23, 2021
Issue 134 – April 16, 2021
Issue 133 – April 9, 2021
Issue 132 – April 2, 2021
Issue 131 – March 26, 2021
Issue 130 – March 19, 2021
Issue 129 – March 12, 2021
Issue 128 – March 5, 2021
Issue 127 – February 26, 2021
Issue 126 – February 19, 2021
Issue 125 – February 12, 2021
Issue 124 – February 5, 2021
Issue 123 – January 29, 2021
Issue 122 – January 22, 2021
Issue 121 ‒ January 15, 2021
Issue 120 ‒ January 8, 2021
Issue 119 ‒ December 18, 2020
Issue 118 ‒ December 11, 2020
Issue 117 ‒ December 4, 2020
Issue 116 ‒ November 20, 2020
Issue 115 ‒ November 13, 2020
Issue 114 ‒ November 6, 2020
Issue 113 – October 30, 2020
Issue 112 – October 23, 2020
Issue 111 – October 9, 2020
Issue 110 – October 2, 2020
Issue 109 – September 25, 2020
Issue 108 – September 18, 2020
Issue 107 – September 11, 2020
Issue 106 – September 4, 2020
Issue 105 – August 28, 2020
Issue 104 – August 21, 2020
Issue 103 – August 14, 2020
Issue 102 – August 7, 2020
Issue 101 – July 31, 2020
Issue 100 – July 24, 2020
Issue 99 – July 17, 2020
Issue 98 – July 10, 2020
Issue 97 – July 7, 2020
Issue 96 – June 26, 2020
Issue 95 – June 19, 2020
Issue 94 – June 12, 2020
Issue 93 – May 29, 2020
Issue 92 – May 22, 2020
Issue 91 – May 15, 2020
Issue 90 – May 8, 2020
Issue 89 – May 1, 2020
Issue 88 – April 24, 2020
Issue 87 – April 17, 2020
Issue 86 – April 10, 2020
Issue 85 – March 20, 2020
Issue 84 – March 11, 2020
Issue 83 – March 5, 2020
Issue 82 – February 27, 2020
Issue 81 – February 20, 2020
Issue 80 – February 12, 2020
Issue 79 – February 6, 2020
Issue 78 – January 30, 2020
Issue 77 – January 23, 2020
Issue 76 – January 16, 2020
Issue 75 – January 9, 2020
Issue 74 – December 18, 2019
Issue 73 – December 11, 2019
Issue 72 – December 4, 2019
Issue 71 – November 20, 2019
Issue 70 – November 13, 2019
Issue 69 – November 6, 2019
Issue 68 – October 30, 2019
Issue 67 – October 23, 2019
Issue 66 – October 16, 2019
Issue 65 – October 9, 2019
Issue 64 – October 2, 2019
Issue 63 – September 25, 2019
Issue 62 – September 18, 2019
Issue 61 – September 11, 2019
Issue 60 – September 4, 2019
Issue 59 – August 28, 2019
Issue 58 – August 21, 2019
Issue 57 – August 14, 2019
Issue 56 – August 7, 2019
Issue 55 – July 31, 2019
Issue 54 – July 17, 2019
Issue 53 – July 10, 2019
Issue 52 – July 3, 2019
Issue 51 – June 26, 2019
Issue 50 – June 19, 2019
Issue 49 – June 12, 2019
Issue 48 – June 5, 2019
Issue 47 – May 29, 2019
Issue 46 – May 22, 2019
Issue 45 – May 15, 2019
Issue 44 – May 8, 2019
Issue 43 – May 2, 2019
Issue 42 – April 25, 2019
Issue 41 – April 17, 2019
Issue 40 – April 10, 2019
Issue 39 – April 4, 2019
Issue 38 – March 28, 2019
Issue 37 – March 21, 2019
Issue 36 – March 13, 2019
Issue 35 – March 6, 2019
Issue 34 – February 27, 2019
Issue 33 – February 20, 2019
Issue 32 – February 13, 2019
Issue 31 – February 7, 2019
Issue 30 – January 30, 2019
Issue 29 – January 23, 2019
Issue 28 – January 17, 2019
Issue 27 – January 10, 2019
Issue 26 – December 26, 2018
Issue 25 – December 19, 2018
Issue 24 – December 12, 2018
Issue 23 – December 5, 2018
Issue 22 – November 28, 2018
Issue 21 – November 21, 2018
Issue 20 – November 15, 2018
Issue 19 – November 7, 2018
Issue 18 – October 31, 2018
Issue 17 – October 24, 2018
Issue 16 – October 17, 2018
Issue 15 – October 10, 2018
Issue 14 – October 3, 2018
Issue 13 – September 26, 2018
Issue 12 – September 19, 2018
Issue 11 – September 12, 2018
Issue 10 – September 5, 2018
Issue 9 – August 29, 2018
Issue 8 – August 22, 2018
Issue 7 – August 15, 2018
Issue 6 – August 8, 2018
Issue 5 – August 1, 2018
Issue 4 – July 25, 2018
Issue 3 – July 18, 2018
Issue 2 – July 11, 2018
Issue 1 – July 5, 2018

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 146 – July 9, 2021

July’s Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—“Sunshine and Showers”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 145 – July 2, 2021

July Webinars for New Coordinators
Registration Open for High School Equivalency Summer Convenings!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 144 – June 25, 2021

New! CAST Range Achievement Level Descriptors Web Page
Form Assignments for 2021–22 Alternate ELPAC
Now Posted: 2021–22 Alternate ELPAC Operational Field Test Second Scoring Assignments
Coming in July: 2021 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series!
High School Equivalency: Summer Convenings in August
Recent Study: Exploring Math Education Relationships by Analyzing Large Data Sets

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 143 – June 18, 2021

Summative ELPAC Results and Student Score Reports Now Available!
Summer Opportunity: Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting
Reserve Your Spot Today for the 2021 CAC!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 142 – June 11, 2021

Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant Available
2021–22 CDE Assessment Update Webinar Series
June's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—Understanding English Language Arts/Literacy Performance Tasks Instructional Resource Creation: Grades 3–5

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 141 – June 4, 2021

2021 CAC: High-Quality Professional Development on a Budget
ELPAC: New Time Frame for Counting Newly Identified RFEP Students
ELPAC Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 140 – May 28, 2021

2021 CAC Scholarships for California Educators
Unique Opportunity for Educators with Special Education and Science Experience: CAA for Science Standard Setting Workshop!
Summative ELPAC Eligibility List Reminder
ELPAC Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 139 – May 21, 2021

2021 CAC: Call for Shared Practices Proposals!
Reminder: Submit Summative ELPAC Answer Books
ELPAC Question of the Week
Registration Open for New Coordinator Training—Summer ELPAC Sessions
Register Now for the 2021 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 138 – May 14, 2021

Registration Now Open for Virtual 2021 CAC
Unique Opportunity for Educators with Special Education and Science Experience: CAA for Science Standard Setting Workshop!
2021–22 CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides Posted!
ELPAC Question of the Week
May's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource: "Using Rubrics to Improve Student Writing"

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 137 – May 7, 2021

Starting Next Month: 2021–22 New Coordinator Training Series
STAIRS Common Scenarios Guide Posted
New Alternate ELPAC Accessibility and Accommodations Guidelines

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 136 – April 30, 2021

CSA Provides LEAs Information on Spanish RLA Skills and Programs!
First Report in New "ELPAC in Action" Series

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 135 – April 23, 2021

Smarter Balanced Events: Applications Due by May 3!
Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting Dates for 2021
ELPAC Questions of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 134 – April 16, 2021

2020–21 Spring Administration FAQs and Guidance
Reminder: ELPAC Data Entry Requirement
CERS Sandbox Offline Next Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 133 – April 9, 2021

Response from US Department of Education
Testing Window Extension Approved
New Coordinator Training Webinar #5—A Deep Drive into Preparing for Scores
Just Posted—Response Options for Alternate Assessments Flyer!
April's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"How Much Time?"

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 132 – April 2, 2021

CHSPE: Administrations in April and May
Enhance Formative Assessment Practices

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 131 – March 26, 2021

Updated Frequently Asked Questions
Unique Opportunity for Elementary Science Educators
Hand Scoring Calibration Workshop for Math Teachers
Smarter Balanced Activities, 2021: Submit Your Application!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 130 – March 19, 2021

March 24 Assessment, Accountability, and System of Support Update Webinar: Learn the Latest Information!
Upcoming ELPAC Item Writer Workshop
ELPAC Question of the Week
Reminder: Downtime Next Week for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 129 – March 12, 2021

Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
Look to CERS for CAASPP, ELPAC, and Interim Assessment Results!
Teacher Training—Calibrate Student Scoring to Inform Teaching and Learning
2020–21 Test Security Affidavit Guidance for ELPAC and CAASPP
Alternate ELPAC Field Test Administration Manual Now Available!
March's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"Sticky Socks"

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 128 – March 5, 2021

Feedback Needed on Assessment Flexibilities
Educators Needed for Summative ELPAC Alignment Workshop
Apply Now for 2021 Smarter Balanced Assessment Development Activities
CAA for ELA: Second Scoring Requirement Suspended for 2020–21
New ELPAC Video Available!
Useful 2020–21 General Guide for ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 127 – February 26, 2021

SBE Votes to Seek Federal Flexibilities Due to Impacts of COVID-19
ELPAC Questions of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 126 – February 19, 2021

Feedback Needed This Week on Testing Window Options
CDE Assessment Update Webinar Coming in March
Teacher Training: Using the Hand Scoring Process to Inform Teaching and Learning
ELPAC Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 125 – February 12, 2021

Find It Here: New Web page with Quick Links!
February's Featured Tools for Teachers Resource—Strategies at Your Fingertips
Now in Spanish: ELPAC Remote Test Instructions for Parents/Guardians

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 124 – February 5, 2021

Coming This Month: Test Security Webinar for New Coordinators
Smarter Balanced Adjusted Summative Blueprints Posted!
Lexile^® & Quantile^® Hub Available to California Educators
Opportunity in March: Summative ELPAC Alignment Workshop
Summative ELPAC Testing Has Begun!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 123 – January 29, 2021

Training Opportunities Web Pages Now Even Easier to Use!
Next Week: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops Resume

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 122 – January 22, 2021

Interim Assessments Offer Flexibility Needed During Distance Learning
New! Tools for Teachers Overview Video
Opportunity: Summative ELPAC Alignment Workshop in March
Now Posted: New CAST Practice Test Constructed Response Annotated Examples

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 121 ‒ January 15, 2021

January Assessment Update Webinar
2020‒21 Online ELPAC Test Administration Manual ‒ Now Available!
Interim and Formative Assessment Materials for LEA Trainers Now Available in TOMS
New! Professional Learning Video for Smarter Content Explorer

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 120 ‒ January 8, 2021

Your Questions Answered: Summative Assessment Administration
Teachers: Register for Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops!
New Video: Creating Student Groups in CERS
January's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"Determining Point of View/Using Evidence"
New ELPAC Quick Reference Guides—Now Available!
Tools for Teachers: Science Formative Assessment Resources, K‒5!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 119 ‒ December 18, 2020

CDE Assessment Update Webinar Date Change
Considerations and Options for Summative Test Administration
Your Questions Answered: Summative Assessment Administration
New Flyer for CAA for Science Test Examiners!
Reminder: Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
No Assessment Spotlight over Break

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 118 ‒ December 11, 2020

November 2020 CDE Assessment Update Webinar Posted
Assessment Update Webinar Series Continues Next Month
Upcoming Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Systems
New Information: Smarter Balanced Online Resources Updated
December's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"Little Bear Mountain"
California Spanish Assessment—Upcoming Item Writer Workshop

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 117 ‒ December 4, 2020

New in CALPADS: Student Preferred Name
Results of CAA for Science Alignment Study Now Available
Reclassification of English Learner Students: Reminder

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 116 ‒ November 20, 2020

Join Us: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops for Teachers
New! Tool for Understanding How Smarter Balanced Scores Written Responses
Accessibility
Summative ELPAC Virtual Office Hours: Date Change Next Month

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 115 ‒ November 13, 2020

New Coordinator Training for CAASPP in December
This Month's Featured Resource in Tools for Teachers—"Lessons from a Story"
New Alternate ELPAC Video for Parents!
Results for 2019‒2020 Initial ELPAC Now Available
New Feature in CERS: Student Information System Integration

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 114 ‒ November 6, 2020

New! Alternate ELPAC Resources Web Page
Alternate ELPAC Training Certification is Well Underway!
ELPAC Questions of the Week
Join Us for ELPAC Office Hours!
CAA for Science Starting Smarter Web Pages—Now Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 113 ‒ October 30, 2020

Registration Open for 2020‒21 Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Workshops for Teachers!
Summative ELPAC LEA Certification Courses
Available by Request: Summative ELPAC Training Binders
Updates on Changes to English Learner Count from CALPADS
Guidance on Using Eye Gaze as an Alternate Response Option—Just Updated!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 112 ‒ October 23, 2020

The 1 Percent Threshold Justification Survey
New ELPAC Coordinator Trainings Coming in November
New! Alternate ELPAC Frequently Asked Questions
Now Open: Summative ELPAC Moodle Training Site
ELPAC Delayed Assessment Letter Template Now Available
Updated Multilingual Support Frequently Asked Questions
CDE Assessment Update Webinar in November!
Upcoming CAASPP and ELPAC Systems Downtime

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 111 – October 9, 2020

October 22: New Coordinator Training—A Deep Dive into Resources for Student Practice
Just Posted: 2020 Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting!
Using Interim Assessments During Distance Learning
October’s Featured Resource Available in Tools for Teachers— “Smarter Balanced Ecosystem”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 110 – October 2, 2020

Video Now Available for Entering Student Responses and Scores into the Data Entry Interface
Tools for Teachers Grand Opening!
Now Available: Updated Interim Assessment Video Series and User Guide
Updated Assessment FAQs
Just Posted: The California Alternate Assessment for Science Item Content Specifications!
Just Posted: 2020‒21 California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for Science flyer!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 109 – September 25, 2020

Senate Bill 820 Approved!
SB 820 and the Initial ELPAC: How to Proceed
SB 820 and the PFT
Updated ELPAC Directions for Administration
CSA Development: California Spanish Educators Needed!
ELPAC Question of the Week
Now Available! Materials for the 2020 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 108 – September 18, 2020

Lexile^® and Quantile^® Measures Available Soon to Support Students Learning
Don’t Forget! Register for the 2020 Virtual CAC
Alternate ELPAC
Update on the National Assessment of Educational Progress

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 107 – September 11, 2020

LEA CAASPP Coordinators: Register for September Webinar About CAA 1 Percent Survey
Register Now! Remote Administration of Interim Assessments—Shared Practices Webinar
Renowned Educator Douglas Fisher to Speak at 2020 CAC
Reminder―CAASPP and ELPAC “Get Involved” Web Pages!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 106 – September 4, 2020

Test Administration Guidelines Now Available!
Attention LEA Staff Trainers: Register for the 2020 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series
New Resource! Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment Item Portal
LEA Coordinators: The CDE Wants to Hear from You!
Success! At-Home HSE Testing with Online Proctoring

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 105 – August 28, 2020

Test Administration Options Guidelines Delayed
CAC Scholarship Request Deadline Fast Approaching
New Resource! Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment Connections Playlists
How to Obtain a Tools for Teachers Account
Available Now! 2020–2021 ELPAC Information Guide
ELPAC: Answering Your Questions
Optional CSA Letter Template for Parents and Guardians
Just Posted: Standard Setting Technical Report for the CAST
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 104 – August 21, 2020

ELPAC: Answering Your Questions in Detail
First Initial ELPAC Student Score Reports Produced for 2020–2021
Now Available! 2020–2021 Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments
Register Now! Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar
September Webinar for the CAA 1 Percent Survey
CAC Schedule Now Posted!
Reminder: Meeting the California High School Science Testing Requirement

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 103 – August 14, 2020

Systems Downtime Reminder—CAASPP and ELPAC
Virtual Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting
Don’t Forget! Register for the 2020 Virtual CAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 102 – August 7, 2020

ELPAC Remote Testing Guidelines Coming Soon!
Virtual Conference for Classroom Educators in October

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 101 – July 31, 2020

FAQs: English Learner Services During COVID-19
Coming in September: Training for New CAASPP Coordinators
New: Back to School Assessment Playbook
2020–21 CAA for Science Test Examiner Tutorial Now Available!
Updates: National and International Assessments

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 100 – July 24, 2020

Distance Learning and Test Administration Options
Reporting Fall Administration of ELPAC for Initial Identification and Reclassification of English Learners
CAA for Science Preliminary Indicator Communication Toolkit Web Page Updated
2019–2020 CAASPP Results Now Available!
2019–2020 ELPAC Results Now Available
Who Met the 2019–2020 High School Science Testing Requirement?

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 99 – July 17, 2020

Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting Now Open to All
New Coordinator Training WebEx #1—A Deep Dive into Receiving Results
ELPAC
Smarter Balanced Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines
Introducing: The California Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 98 – July 10, 2020

Calling New CAASPP Coordinators: “Welcome WebEx” on July 16
Summative ELPAC Fall Administration Coming Soon!
ELPAC Question of the Week
ELPAC Webcast Posted
New ELPAC Resource Available
Tools for Teachers: Two New Demonstration Videos!
Heads Up: Deadline for 2019–2020 Interim Assessment Hand Scoring

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 97 – July 7, 2020

New Resource! Guidance on Diagnostic and Formative Assessments
CALPADS and the ELPAC: Changes
Summative ELPAC Question of the Week
Interim Assessments: Availability of Remote Administration Extended
CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides for 2020–2021 Now Available!
Registration Open for High School Equivalency Summer Convenings!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 96 – June 26, 2020

COVID-19 and Assessments: FAQs
Low-Cost Professional Development at the 2020 Virtual CAC
Initial ELPAC: Answers to Your Questions
2018–19 CAST Results Now Available in CERS

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 95 – June 19, 2020

We Are Here to Support You—2020 Virtual CAC!
New Call for CAC Presenters
Tools for Teachers: Preview Now and Attend Webinar on June 22!
WebEx for CALPADS and ELPAC Coordinators Now Posted!
Live ELPAC Webcast: Then, Now, and Beyond

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 94 – June 12, 2020

Checklist: June 2020 ELPAC Reminders
New ELPAC Test Security Affidavit
CHSPE Is Back
High School Equivalency Tests—At Home
Administration of the PFT to Continue
Just Posted—CAST Alignment Study Report!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 93 – May 29, 2020

Newly Updated Smarter Content Explorer!
Webinars for All LEA CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators in 2020–21

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 92 – May 22, 2020

Digital Library Retiring Next Week—Final Chance to Download Your Favorite Resources!
WebEx in June for CALPADS and ELPAC Coordinators
Just Posted: Two New Web Pages for the Science Assessments!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 91 – May 15, 2020

CAASPP Updates on Additional Resources Web Page
All Coordinators Webinar from April 21, 2020, Now Posted
Preparing for the Alternate ELPAC in 2020–21

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 90 – May 8, 2020

National and International Assessments

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 89 – May 1, 2020

CDE Committed to Annual California Assessment Conference, 2020
Reminder: Interim Assessments Available for Distance Learning
Physical Fitness Test
Student Test Settings in CALPADS
Digital Library Change Coming Soon!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 88 – April 24, 2020

North–South Assessment and Accountability Information Meetings, 2020
Register Now for the California Assessment Conference, 2020
2020–2021 Initial ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 87 – April 17, 2020

Assessment Spotlight Moves from Wednesdays to Fridays
Interim Assessments Now Available to LEAs for Distance Learning
CAASPP and ELPAC Test Security Updates

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 86 – April 10, 2020

Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments for Distance Learning
Webinar for Assessment, Accountability, and Dashboard Coordinators
Registration Open for 2020 California Assessment Conference
Now Available—CAA for Science Practice Test Scoring Guides
Recent Improvements to CAASPP Web Pages!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 85 – March 20, 2020

Update on COVID-19 and the Suspension of Statewide Testing
High School Equivalency Summer Convenings in August
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 84 – March 11, 2020

California Spanish Assessment Administration Is Under Way!
New ELPAC Video Resource!
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 83 – March 5, 2020

WebEx for All CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators—Are You Registered?
Coronavirus
CAST Practice and Training Test Scoring Guides Available!
CAST: Available Resources Flyer Updated!
CAST Performance Charts Added to CAST Results
This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Navigating the Fundamentals of Research”
Age Twenty-Two and the ELPAC
ELPAC Question of the Week
Guidance for Analyzing CSA Results
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 82 – February 27, 2020

Summative ELPAC Administration Under Way!
ELPAC Question of the Week
California Spanish Assessment: Materials Available in TOMS
New Resource for the CSA
California Science Test Release Resources Posted!
Register Your Eligible Students for the Alternate Assessments
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 81 – February 20, 2020

Save the Date! 2020 North–South Assessment Information Meetings
Educators Needed for 2020 Smarter Balanced Assessment Development Activities
Next Month: WebEx for All CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 80 – February 12, 2020

California Science Test and California Spanish Assessment: 2018–19 Summary Results
Seeking Educators for CAA Item Writer Workshop
ELPAC––New Resource!
Plan Now to Attend the 2020 California Assessment Conference
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 79 – February 6, 2020

February’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “I Can Divide!”
Registration Still Open for New Coordinator WebEx!
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 78 – January 30, 2020

Release of New Smarter Balanced Sample Items and Annotated Anchors Next Week
Now Available: 2019–2020 Interim Assessment User Guide
ELPAC––Fee-based Services Coming Soon!
Constructed-Response Items for the California Spanish Assessment Coming Soon!
Alternate Assessments
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 77 – January 23, 2020

Now Available: CAASPP and ELAPC TOMS User Guide
Are Your Grade Eight and High School Students Ready to Take the CAST?
Reminders for Those Administering Science Assessments to High School Students!
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 76 – January 16, 2020

Interim Assessment Video Series Updated!
Summit in February: Innovating for Equity

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 75 – January 9, 2020

Calendar Reminder: CAASPP and ELPAC System Downtime Fast Approaching
Coming in February: WebEx for New Coordinators
Release of Results for the 2018–19 California Science Test and California Spanish Assessment
California Alternate Assessment for Science: The Time Is Now!
Save the Date for the 2020 California Assessment Conference
January’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Closing the Story!”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 74 – December 18, 2019

Updated Quick Reference Guides

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 73 – December 11, 2019

Resources for the 2019–20 CAASPP and ELPAC Now Available
Opportunity to Participate in CAASPP Case Study!
California Educator Reporting System: Key Resources
ELPAC—Remember to Update Students’ English Language Acquisition Status!
Summative ELPAC Kindergarten Through Grade Two Test Materials Ordering

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 72 – December 4, 2019

Summative ELPAC Assessment Results in the California Educator Reporting System
December’s Featured Digital Library Resource for Professional Learning—“Understanding the Formative Assessment Process”
Check Them Out! New ELPAC Accessibility Resources
Alternate ELPAC: Looking Ahead
New CAA for Science Performance Task Video!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 71 – November 20, 2019

Watch and Learn with the Interim Assessment Video Series!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 70 – November 13, 2019

Updated California Science Test Practice and Training Tests Now Available!
2018–19 ELPAC Results Coming Soon!
Reminders: 1.0 Percent Justification Survey and IEPs
Attention New LEA Coordinators!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 69 – November 6, 2019

Attention All LEAs: 1.0 Percent Justification Survey Deadline Extended!
November’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“We Have the Same Birthday”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 68 – October 30, 2019

Science Assessment Implementation Modules!
Reminder—Smarter Content Explorer Now Available
1.0 Percent Justification Survey Deadline Extended

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 67 – October 23, 2019

Updated Science Web Pages with Links to New Resources
New from the Winners of the “Science! It’s Elementary” Contest: Elementary Science Resources

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 66 – October 16, 2019

Registration Open for 2019–20 Pretest Workshop!
Newly Updated! Matrix Four: ELPAC Accessibility Resources
Computer-Based ELPAC Field Test
ELPAC Question of the Week

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 65 – October 9, 2019

2018–19 Results Release
First Operational CAA for Science: Time to Register All Eligible Students!
Updated Periodic Table and Reference Sheet for CAST
High School Science Participation Reports Available in TOMS!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 64 – October 2, 2019

Registration Closing Soon for 2019 California Assessment Conference!
October’s Featured Digital library Resource: “Juicy Introductions to Start Your Narrative—Delectable Beginnings to Start Your Story”
Smarter Balanced Digital Library Connections Playlists for Focused Interim Assessment Blocks

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 63 – September 25, 2019

Learn More About Smarter Balanced Assessments with the Smarter Content Explorer!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 62 – September 18, 2019

Survey for LEA Coordinators!
Assessment Information Meeting Materials Now Posted
CAASPP and ELPAC Results and Permanent Student Records
Check Them Out! Interim Assessment Resources for Educators
Remedies for Missing Addresses on Initial ELPAC SSRs

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 61 – September 11, 2019

Single Sign-on for CAASPP and ELPAC Online Components!
Coming on September 17: Webinar for New LEA Coordinators
Updated Science Test Administration for High School Students Flyer
2019–20 CAA Test Examiner Tutorial—Now Available for CAA for Science
New CAA for Science Practice Tests Posted!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 60 – September 4, 2019

This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Find My Equation”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 59 – August 28, 2019

2019–20 LEA CAASPP Coordinator Checklist!
New CDE Alternate ELPAC Web Page
Posted: 2019–20 ELPAC Information Guide
ELPAC Test Security Affidavit for Non-TOMS Users Now Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 58 – August 21, 2019

New Video! Science: It’s Elementary
Downtime Starts Next Week for CAASPP and ELPAC Online System Components
CAA Guidance on Assessing Students Using Eye Gaze—Just Updated!
Alternate Assessments

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 57 – August 14, 2019

New School Year, New Planning to Do: Interim Assessment Overview and Blueprints
Reminder: Complete All Hand Scoring for Interim Assessments Before System Downtime
Accessibility
ELPAC––Last Chance to Participate in Field Test!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 56 – August 7, 2019

Downtime for CAASPP and ELPAC Online System Components
NEW! Interim Assessment Reporting System Sandbox Training Tool
August’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Get in Order! Using Transition Words in Narrative Writing”
2018–19 Science Assessment Scores: When Will They Be Released?
Training Opportunity for New LEA Coordinators

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 55 – July 31, 2019

Accessing Individual Student Score Reports in TOMS
California Alternate Assessment for Science Preliminary Indicator Communication Toolkit Web Page—Just Updated!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 54 – July 17, 2019

Needed: California Special Education Teachers with CA NGSS Knowledge for Alignment Process
Preparing for the 2019–20 CAA for Science—Version Assignments and Administration Planning Guides Posted!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 53 – July 10, 2019

New Coordinator Webinar on July 16
New Coordinator Training Continuing at Assessment Information Meeting
August Standard Setting for the CSA: Sign Up by July 19
Updated Digital Library Connections Playlists: Time-Saving Tools for Teachers
Just Posted: California Science Test Item Specifications!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 52 – July 3, 2019

July’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “An Interview with Margaret Heritage, Formative Assessment Guru”
More Summertime Formative Assessment Training
Grade Two Diagnostic Testing—Change in Reporting

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 51 – June 26, 2019

CAASPP Post-Test Guide Available on CAASPP Portal
“The Results Are In … Now What?” Webcast Now Available!
Attention New LEA Coordinators: Register Now for In-Person Training
Initial ELPAC Testing Window Closes June 28
Smarter Balanced Members Vote to Approve Updates to UAAG

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 50 – June 19, 2019

MyTOMS Is Coming!
Calendar Reminder: ELPAC System Downtime Fast Approaching
SBE June Memorandum Regarding the ELPAC Posted for Public Viewing
CAA for Science Preliminary Indicators and Scale Scores—What Is the Difference?

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 49 – June 12, 2019

Welcome, New CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators
Registration Still open for the 2019 Summer Institute!
Webinar in July for New LEA Coordinators
2019 North-South Meetings: Registration Now Open
Reminders for the California Alternate Assessment for Science!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 48 – June 5, 2019

June’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Breaking Spaghetti”
Closing Out This Year’s Summative ELPAC
Field-Testing the New Computer-Based ELPAC
California Spanish Assessment

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 47 – May 29, 2019

ELPAC Administrations Winding Down

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 46 – May 22, 2019

CAST Braille Scoring Guides are Now Available!
Does My High School Student Need to Take the California Alternate Assessment for Science?
Summative ELPAC Materials Return

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 45 – May 15, 2019

Using the LEA Dashboard to Monitor Test Administration Windows and Scoring Percentages
Year-End Reminders for the ELPAC
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 44 – May 8, 2019

Focus on Test Security—Invalidation Appeal FAQs
Spotlight on Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 43 – May 2, 2019

New for Families: Starting Smarter Websites
Coming Soon! Focused Interim Assessment Blocks
May’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Cranky Counterclaims”
California Science Test—Key Messages Now Available!
New CAST Item Specifications Flyer
Keeping ELPAC Test Materials Safe and Secure
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 42 – April 25, 2019

New for CAASPP and ELPAC: “Get Involved” Web Pages!
Focus on Test Security—Pause Rules and Grace Period Extensions
New Video––ELPAC Accessibility Resources
Reminder: Registration Is Open for 2019 Summer Institute!
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 41 – April 17, 2019

Focus on Test Security—What Happens After I Submit My STAIRS Appeal?
Registration Now Open for the 2019 Summer Institute!
Get Involved! CAA for ELA “Second Score” Research Study
California Spanish Assessment
All About Accessibility

Assessment Update, Issue 40 – April 10, 2019

Do I Really Need an Appeal? (And What Not to Report in STAIRS)
Updated Available Resources Flyers for Science Are Here!
Initial and Summative ELPAC: Important Dates
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 39 – April 4, 2019

Register Now for 2019 California Assessment Conference Early Bird Special!
Focus on Test Security—STAIRS Delayed Appeals
April’s Featured Digital Library Resource: “Problem Solving—Dill’er Up 3-Acts Math Lesson”
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 38 – March 28, 2019

Completion Status Reports for the CAASPP Administration
Braille Operational CAST Available Next Week!
All About Accessibility
Updated Data Dictionary for Interim Assessment Reporting System Exports
ELPAC––Superintendent Designation Forms
Register for 2018–19 Post-Test Workshops
CAASPP and ELPAC Coordinators: Save the Date! 2019 Assessment Information Meetings

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 37 – March 21, 2019

Focus on Test Security—Entering an Incident on the STAIRS Form
Now Posted: California Science Test Webcast!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 36 – March 13, 2019

California Science Test: Item Specifications Available!
Focus on Test Security—Overview of the STAIRS/Appeals Process
ELPAC Domain Information Sheets Now Available in Spanish!
Summative ELPAC Test Administration
All About Accessibility
2019 California Assessment Conference: Registration Opens Friday

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 35 – March 6, 2019

CAASPP Manuals for a Successful Administration!
Focus on Test Security: New STAIRS/Appeals Process
This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Determining Word Meanings Using an Excerpt from ‘Charles’ by Shirley Jackson”
Next Generation Science Standards: Three-Dimensional Learning Is a SNAP!
Reminder: Science Reference Tools Available
All About Accessibility
California Spanish Assessment

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 34 – February 27, 2019

New Video—California Science Test and the Next Generation Science Standards!
More About the CAST: Planning Your Pause Points
All About Accessibility
New At-a-Glance Resource for Smarter Balanced Practice Tests, Training Tests, and Interim Assessments!
Summative ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 33 – February 20, 2019

There’s Still Time to Submit Entries for Science: It’s Elementary!
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 32 – February 13, 2019

Now Available! 2018–19 CAASPP and ELPAC Pretest Workshop Materials
ELPAC—Testing Irregularities and Security Breaches
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 31 – February 7, 2019

State Assessment Apportionment System
Translations of Parent Notification Letter Template Available!
This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“5^th Graders Analyzing Text: Text Talk Time”
All About Accessibility
ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 30 – January 30, 2019

Electronic Student Score Reports Coming Soon!
Save the Date: CAST Training Webcast in February
Test Examiner Tutorial Now Available for CAA for Science
Science and Assessment Contest for K–5 Teachers!
All About Accessibility
ELPAC––Updated Resource
Educators Needed for Alternate ELPAC Development Activities in 2019

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 29 – January 23, 2019

Educators Needed for Assessment Development Activities
Updated CAASPP Resources
All About Accessibility

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 28 – January 17, 2019

Assignment of Designated Supports and Accommodations—Data Posted
All About Accessibility
CAST Practice Tests in Braille Are Here!
CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides Posted!
2019 California Assessment Conference

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 27 – January 10, 2019

State Assessment Apportionment System
Updated Web Page and New Resources Available!
Now Posted: California Alternate Assessment for Science Webcast!
ELPAC: Summative ELPAC Test Administration Manual Coming Soon!
California Spanish Assessment: Practice Tests Now Available
Reminder: Administrator Resources Available for the Interim Assessment Reporting System
CAASPP Regulations Public Comment Period Open

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 26 – December 26, 2018

Calendar Reminder: CAASPP and ELPAC System Downtime Fast Approaching
This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Sticky Note Graphs”
ELPAC Rotating Score Validation Process Corrections
California High School Proficiency Exam
Physical Fitness Test

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 25 – December 19, 2018

For Kids, By Kids Video Contest Winners

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 24 – December 12, 2018

New Resources for the ELPAC!
ELPAC Regulations: Domain Exemptions and Alternate Assessments
Initial ELPAC Threshold Scores Review
ELPAC Rotation Score Validation Process
California Spanish Assessment––New Resource Available!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 23 – December 5, 2018

Mark Your Calendar: CAA for Science Webcast Next Week!
December’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“How Can I Trust You? Ways to Evaluate Source Credibility”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 22 – November 28, 2018

California Science Test Classroom Resources Now Available!
Interim Assessments and Digital Library: New Video for Staff
Reminder: Educator Feedback Needed for New IABs

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 21 – November 21, 2018

Opportunity for Classroom Teachers to Provide Input on Design of New Interim Assessment Blocks
CDE Seeking Input from California Science Educators

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 20 – November 15, 2018

California’s Science Tests—Are You Ready to Assess Your High School Students?
California Spanish Assessment Data Review Meeting––Educator Participation Makes a Difference!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 19 – November 7, 2018

They’re Here—New Practice and Updated Training Tests for the California Science Test!
Online Training Performance Task for California Alternate Assessment for Science
New Feature for Summative ELPAC Eligibility Report
November’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Systems of Equations Class Debate”

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 18 – October 31, 2018

ELPAC Summary Reports Released
New Resource Offers Guidance on the ELPAC!
In the Loop: Updating LEA ELPAC Contact Information
We Asked, and You Responded!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 17 – October 24, 2018

New! Guide for Using Completion Status and Roster Management Systems
Updated Accessibility Resource Now Available for Science
Video Contest—Keep Those Votes Coming!
California Spanish Assessment
ELPAC Guidance
ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 16 – October 17, 2018

Coordinator Survey: Share Your Feedback!
New English-Spanish Glossary Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 15 – October 10, 2018

Updated Digital Library Playlists
Accessibility
ELPAC Search Function Now Available!
ELPAC: Use of Preliminary Scoring Rubrics in TOMS During CALPADS Downtime
ELPAC Development—Opportunity for Educators!
More Resources for the ELPAC

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 14 – October 3, 2018

This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Using Rubrics to Improve Student Writing”
Now Posted: Webinar About the ELPAC and CALPADS Data!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 13 – September 26, 2018

Update: Planned CALPADS Downtime Extended
New Look for Testing Web Pages
For Kids, By Kids Video Contest: Voting Is Open
2018–19 CAASPP Interim Assessment User Guide Now Available
Updated High School Science Test Administration Resource––Now Available!

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 12 – September 19, 2018

New Two-Step Authentication Logon Process for TOMS
Reminder: Planned CALPADS Downtime for System Updates
New Manuals for the Summative Assessments
Accessibility
CSA Field Test Under Way
CSA Data Review Meeting This Fall
New ELPAC Resource
ELPAC Student Data Extract Report Coming Soon!
ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 11 – September 12, 2018

Planned CALPADS Downtime for System Updates
CAASPP Institute—Register Now for a Fantastic Professional Development Opportunity!
ELPAC––Important Updates

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 10 – September 5, 2018

All Systems “GO!” for CAASPP Online Components
Interim Assessments
This Month’s Featured Digital Library Resource—“Formative Assessment Quotes”
Coming Right Up: 2018 North-South Meeting!
ELPAC Matrix 4 Updated!
No English Learners? ELPAC Coordinator Designation Still Required
ELPAC Question Corner
California Spanish Assessment Field Test: Resources Available

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 9 – August 29, 2018

Step Right Up: Training for New ELPAC Coordinators Next Month
Reminder—Professional Learning Opportunity for Science Teachers: CAST Academy
ELPAC Development Activities: Opportunities for Educators
ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 8 – August 22, 2018

Downtime for CAASPP Online System Components
CAST Academy, October 2018!
Calculating Preliminary Initial ELPAC Scores
New ELPAC Resources!
ELPAC/CALPADS Webinar
ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 7 – August 15, 2018

Save the Date: 2018 North-South Meeting in September
Social Media: Check Us Out!
Smarter Balanced Sample Items Website
Accessibility
California Spanish Assessment–Field Test Nearing
Amended Emergency ELPAC Regulations
ELPAC Question Corner

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 6 – August 8, 2018

Gearing Up for the New School Year: Key Features of the Interim Assessment Reporting System
CAASPP Institute: Calling All Teachers!
Accessibility
ELPAC Training This Fall
Start the New School Year with New ELPAC Resources

Assessment Spotlight, Issue 5 – August 1, 2018