Assessment Spotlight, Issue 365

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 and ELPAC website .

From Test Design to Classroom Practice: Discover the Smarter Content Explorer

Educators—Are you looking for new ways to align instruction with assessment? Look no further! The Smarter Content Explorer is a publicly available web tool that helps bridge the gap between test developers and classroom educators for English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The Smarter Content Explorer features detailed information about Smarter Balanced assessment content, including:

• Item stems
• Scoring rubrics
• Sample test items
• Assessment blueprints
• Construct relevant vocabulary

This is the same content used by test and item developers, and it is organized in one convenient place, bringing important item information to educators’ fingertips. Filters are available to search by specific grade level, subject, and claim or test.
The Smarter Content Explorer helps teachers strengthen formative assessment practices and support student learning. If you have not checked it out yet, now is the perfect time!

Registration Now Open for the 2026–27 CERS Essentials Training Series

A new California Department of Education (CDE) sponsored professional learning option is now available for free to teachers and administrators who want to get the most from the California Educator Reporting System (CERS). The 2026–27 CERS Essentials Training Series offers engaging one-hour virtual sessions led by CERS experts from California local educational agencies (LEAs). The sessions are packed with information, guidance, and practical tips to help educators use CERS with confidence.

Each session in the series focuses on a specific CERS feature, making it easy to choose which ones fit your role, interests, and needs. Participants can learn how to navigate the system; create and manage student groups; explore interim assessment data; and access summative assessment results in CERS.

Bring a colleague! Attending together can help teams build a shared understanding of how assessment data can support student learning, but individual participation is also welcome. Whether you are brand new to CERS or ready to explore more features, this training series has something for everyone. Find the complete list of sessions and registration information for the CERS Essentials Training Series here !

Newly Updated CERS Microlearning Video Series

The CERS Microlearning Video Series has been updated to reflect new CERS features and functions. The videos support teachers and administrators in learning how to access, navigate, and use CERS. Two sets of on-demand videos are available:

• Introduction to CERS for Teachers
• Introduction to CERS for Test Coordinators and Administrators
  

The CERS Microlearning Video Series combines informational overviews, system feature demonstrations, and downloadable resource guides for learners to use at their own pace. The short, audience-focused videos make it easy to watch the full set of videos for your role or jump directly to a video that aligns with your specific CERS feature of interest. Explore the updated video series and build confidence in using CERS today!

2026 Interim and Formative Assessment Webinar Series

Register now for the 2026 Interim and Formative Assessment Webinar Series summer sessions! This free professional learning opportunity is sponsored by the CDE and consists of three independent webinars focused on using the interim and formative assessment components of the CAASPP and the ELPAC assessment systems to inform teaching and learning.

Webinar 1: Formative Assessment and Tools for Teachers

• Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026
• Time: 9–11 a.m.

Webinar 2: CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments

• Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
• Time: 9–11 a.m.

Webinar 3: Educator Panel and Shared Practices

• Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
• Time: 9–10:30 a.m.

In addition to the above sessions in July, this series will be offered again in the fall. This informative series is designed for teachers, instructional coaches, and educators on special assignments, but LEA test coordinators and administrators may also find this training useful to further support educators. We hope you can join us at this year’s training!

Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Summer Workshop Series

Registration is now open for the Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Summer Workshop Series! This free professional learning opportunity is sponsored by the CDE and consists of five independent online workshops, each focused on a specific content area:

• English Language Arts/Literacy
• Mathematics
• California Science Test
• ELPAC Speaking
• ELPAC Writing

In each workshop, participants will use tools and resources available for local hand scoring. Each workshop presents opportunities to actively engage in conversations with colleagues about the instructional implications of the CAASPP and ELPAC interim assessments as well as consider different ways interim assessment use can support various classroom needs. This workshop series runs July 16–29, 2026, and will be offered only once during the 2026–27 school year. Further information and registration instructions are available on the workshop series registration page . If you cannot attend, you may consider using the On-Demand Hand Scoring Learning Modules , which are available in each content area for use year-round.

To receive future CAASPP and ELPAC updates and notifications, subscribe to the CAASPP mailing list by sending a blank email message to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov. Are you a new subscriber? For previous Assessment Spotlight issues, visit the California Department of Education Assessment Spotlight web page.