Assessment Spotlight, Issue 220

Focusing on the CAASPP System and English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)—and including, when timely, updates on California’s other statewide assessments. For questions related to test administration, coordination, and trainings, visit the CAASPP website and the ELPAC website .

Request Form Now Available—Golden State Seal Merit Diploma

The Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD), established in 1997, provides recognition to public school graduates who have demonstrated mastery of the high school curriculum in various subject areas. The GSSMD is awarded jointly by the California State Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Local educational agencies (LEAs) interested in identifying graduating seniors who qualify for the GSSMD can view the materials provided on the California Department of Education (CDE) GSSMD web page.

The CDE staff will begin mailing requested seals in February 2023. Although there is no deadline for identifying graduating seniors, LEAs should send their requests far enough in advance of the date of the first graduation ceremony in the district to allow sufficient time for the CDE to process the request and for school staff to affix the seals to the diplomas and transcripts. Generally, the seals can be expected within two weeks of the date the CDE receives a request. Any questions about the GSSMD should be directed to gssmd@cde.ca.gov.

Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC Testing Has Begun!

February 1, 2023, marked the first day of the Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC administration window. The CDE is pleased to announce that for the Summative ELPAC, as of day one, over 300 LEAs had begun testing almost 20,000 students. For the Summative Alternate ELPAC, 18 LEAs had begun testing 18 students. The CDE extends a big thank you to all LEAs as Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC administration is underway!

Reminder to Complete LEA ELPAC Certification

LEA ELPAC coordinators must complete ELPAC Certification Courses prior to the administration of the Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC. LEA ELPAC coordinators and Test Examiners can fulfill their certification requirements by accessing the virtual training modules in the Moodle Training Site . Email reminders have been sent out to LEAs by the contractor, ETS, and the CDE will be following up next week with those who have not completed the training. For more information, access the Summative ELPAC Administration and Scoring Trainings and Summative Alternate ELPAC Administration and Scoring web pages on the ELPAC website .

Translated Versions of Parent Guide to Understanding—Now Available!

The translated versions of the Parent Guide to Understanding have been updated and are now available on the CDE CAASPP web page at Parent Guides to Understanding. These guides are two-page flyers written in easy-to-understand language that answer key questions (who, why, when, how, and what) about California's assessment programs. Information is also included about how parents can support their student's success.

Webinar Reminder: Supporting Student Success with Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers

Teachers and administrators—you will not want to miss the webinar Supporting Student Success with Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers, which will be held on February 21, 2023, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. This webinar—the third and final one in the 2022–23 Tools for Teachers Shared Practices series—is designed for classroom educators, administrators, and any other LEA staff interested in learning more about how the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers resources can be used to support teaching and learning in elementary through high school classrooms.

Educators from Atwater Elementary School District and San Bernardino City Unified School District will highlight ways they use the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments and resources on the Tools for Teachers website in the classroom. The webinar will conclude with a question-and-answer session.

Go to the Tools for Teachers Webinar Registration web page to register!

Please share this email with any educators in your LEA who would be interested in or benefit from this information. To join the email list, send a blank email message to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov. Are you a new subscriber? Visit the CDE Assessment Spotlight web page to find previous issues.