Assessment Spotlight, Issue 375

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 .

2026–27 Interim Assessments Now Available

The 2026–27 CAASPP and ELPAC interim assessments—for Smarter Balanced English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics, California Science Test, and ELPAC—are now available to be administered in the Test Delivery System and viewed in the Interim Assessment Viewing System (account login required) . The CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessment Lookup Tool provides an easy way to access a complete list of all available CAASPP and ELPAC interim assessments as well as search for new forms and use filters to find specific subsets of interim assessments.

It is important to maintain the security of the interim assessments. The optional Sample Interim Assessment Test Security Agreement is available to local educational agencies (LEAs). It can be modified as needed for local use. Although a test security agreement is not required for interim assessments, LEAs are encouraged to have staff read and sign it.

Secure materials for the interim assessments, including scoring training guides, exemplars, test content and answer keys, and Directions for Administration, have been updated to include the new interim assessment forms and can be accessed in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) by selecting the [Resources] tab. For ELA and mathematics, the answer keys can be found in the Interim Assessment Item Portal .

More information, resources, and links to related systems are available on the CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments web page and in the Interim Assessment User Guide .

In-Person New Coordinator Convenings: Registration Still Open

Are you a new LEA CAASPP or ELPAC Coordinator with fewer than three years in the role? Join the California Department of Education (CDE) for an in-person New Coordinator Convening to build your knowledge, strengthen your network, and prepare you for the year ahead.

Connect with coordinators from across California, explore the TOMS and the California Educator Reporting System (CERS), and gain real-world insights from experienced peers and ETS Success Agents.

Register here for the New Coordinator Convening ! Register for the location that works best for you:

• Sacramento—Monday, August 31, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Contra Costa—Tuesday, September 1, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Los Angeles—Thursday, September 3, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• San Diego—Friday, September 4, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Fresno—Friday, September 11, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Fall 2026 Interim and Formative Assessment Webinar Series

Register now for the fall sessions of the 2026 Interim and Formative Assessment Webinar Series ! Sponsored by the CDE, this free online training series focuses on leveraging the interim and formative components of the CAASPP and ELPAC comprehensive system of assessments to inform teaching and learning. The series includes three webinars:

• Formative Assessment and Tools for Teachers | September 15, 2–4 p.m.
• CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments | September 17, 2–4 p.m.
• Educator Panel and Shared Practices | September 22, 2–3:30 p.m.

More information, including a link to register, can be accessed on the 2026 Interim and Formative Assessment Fall Webinar Series . We hope you can join us!

California Educator Reporting System Training Series

Build confidence using the CERS with the CERS Essentials Training Series. Whether learning the basics of the system or managing student groups, this eight-part online series provides timely guidance throughout the 2026–27 school year. The series kicks off in August with the following two sessions:

• CERS Essentials Training Series: Getting to Know the System—Designed for all CERS users, this session covers system fundamentals, navigation, and assessment results. Whether using CERS for the first time or looking for a refresher, this session provides a strong foundation for getting started.
  • Date and Time: August 19, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:25 p.m.
• CERS Essentials Training Series: Managing Student Groups as an Administrator—Designed specifically for CERS administrators, this session focuses on managing student groups and staff access within CERS. Participants will learn how to load, upload, and manage student groups in the system.
  • Date and Time: August 26, 2026, 3:30–4:25 p.m.

Don't miss these free opportunities to strengthen CERS knowledge and skills! Register here for the CERS Essentials August training sessions today !

Join us Next week for the High School Equivalency and Proficiency Convenings

Registration is still open for the High School Equivalency and Proficiency Convenings next week. The CDE invites chief examiners, test site administrators, school counselors, and others supporting high school equivalency and proficiency programs to attend the in-person 2026 High School Equivalency and Proficiency Convenings. These convenings are designed to provide timely updates and to collect valuable feedback regarding the GED® and HiSET® exams. This year you will have an opportunity to earn 0.5 professional development units (7.5 hours) by attending the convening.

• Sacramento—Monday, August 10, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Contra Costa—Tuesday, August 11, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Monterey—Wednesday, August 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Bakersfield—Thursday, August 13, 9 a.m.–3– p.m.
• Fresno—Friday, August 14, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Orange—Tuesday, August 18, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Los Angeles—Wednesday, August 19, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
• San Diego—Thursday, August 20, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

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.