Assessment Spotlight, Issue 310

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 .

New Coordinator Training Webinar #11 – Gathering Feedback After Testing – Register Now

Register Now for the New Coordinator Training Webinar – Gathering Feedback After Testing session on March 20, 2025, from 3–4 p.m. This session will focus on collecting feedback from teachers and students about their testing experience and using the feedback to initiate changes.

Please share this invitation with your colleagues who might benefit from this valuable training opportunity. We look forward to your participation!

Use California Science Test Interim Assessments to Support Science Instruction

The California Science Test (CAST) Interim Assessments are flexible, optional tools designed to measure student understanding of the California Next Generation Science Standards. They provide timely insights into student progress and, when used with local assessments, can help teachers identify student strengths and areas for support throughout the school year.

With 18 CAST Interim Assessments available—two per grade in grades three through five and two per science domain in middle and high school—educators can use them in both standardized (benchmark) and nonstandardized (formative) ways to support instruction. By using the CAST Interim Assessments, educators can monitor student progress, guide instruction, and help students build confidence in science.

For details on the assessment structure and common questions, refer to the Organization of the CAST Interim Assessments web document (PDF) and CAST Interim Assessment Fact Sheet web document (PDF). Learn more about the CAST Interim Assessments on the CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments web page .

California Educator Reporting System Spring Training Starts Soon!

California Educator Reporting System (CERS) spring training starts with the kickoff of the Beyond the Basics sessions on March 11, 2025. Space is still available for all spring training sessions, but registration is required. Further details are available on the respective registration page for each training:  

• 2024–25 CERS—Beyond the Basics for Teachers
• 2024–25 CERS—Beyond the Basics for Coordinators and Administrators
• 2024–25 Accessing Summative Assessment Results in CERS

These training sessions build upon the Introduction to CERS training, which is available as a series of microlearning videos on the Upcoming and On-Demand Trainings web page . 

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.