Assessment Spotlight, Issue 380

Focusing on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (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 .

Check Out the New K–2 Resources Available in Tools for Teachers!

Looking for fresh ideas to support early literacy and mathematics? New kindergarten, grade one, and grade two resources are now available in Tools for Teachers! These standards-aligned supplemental resources include:

• Ready-to-use, engaging, high-quality lesson plans
  
• Professional learning resources designed with young learners in mind
  
• Connections Playlists with practical ideas for uncovering meaningful next steps for student learning

Whether you are supporting a challenging skill or looking for a new way to understand what students know and can do, the new K–2 resources in Tools for Teachers (account required) can assist.

For full access to the Tools for Teachers resources, local educational agency (LEA) staff need a Tools for Teachers account which they can get through self-registration, described in the flyer How to Self-Register for Tools for Teachers (PDF) or by contacting their testing coordinator.

New Coordinator Training Webinar – Practice Tests, Training Tests, and Interim Assessments – Register Now

Register now for the New Coordinator Training Webinar—Practice Tests, Training Tests, and Interim Assessments on October 15, 2026, 3–4 p.m. This webinar will focus on:

• The “why” of using training and practice tests
  
• The difference between practice tests and training tests
  
• The purpose of interim assessments
  
• Available key resources

This webinar is part of a yearlong series that provides just-in-time information for coordinators. These webinars also offer opportunities to ask questions from experienced coordinators.

Audience: LEA CAASPP and ELPAC coordinators who have been in their role for less than 12 months or would like a refresher on coordinator responsibilities.

California Alternate Assessment for Science Testing Window Opened on September 15, 2026

The California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science testing window opened on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Test examiners (TEs) may begin administering the three embedded performance tasks (PTs) now. TEs should schedule the three embedded PTs throughout the school year, and each PT should be administered shortly following instruction on the related science content. More information regarding testing can be found on the Organization of the CAA for Science Flyer (PDF).

Additional reminders for the administration of the CAA for Science.

• TEs must use the script provided in the secure Directions for Administration found in the Test Operations and Management System or TOMS.
  
• Each performance task must be administered in a one-on-one setting by a trained TE, who is familiar with the student and their needs.
  
• Some questions include Part A and Part B and may require scrolling.

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 California Department of Education Assessment Spotlight web page to find previous issues.