Assessment Spotlight, Issue 253

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 .

Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network Quarterly Meeting is Coming Up on November 29, 2023

If you are a charter school assessment coordinator and wish to connect with others to share best practices of assessment coordination, register today for the next Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 9:30–11 a.m.

This meeting provides an opportunity to hear assessment and accountability updates, connect with other charter school assessment coordinators, and find new and innovative ways of managing statewide assessments in the unique context of a charter school.

Questions? Please contact us at caaspp@scoe.net.

Fall ELPAC New Coordinator Trainings – Register Now

Calling all local educational agency (LEA) ELPAC coordinators who are new to their role or want a refresher! The 2023–24 New Coordinator Training—Fall ELPAC sessions will take place in December. Hosted by our county office of education partners, this ELPAC coordinator training will:

• Review tasks associated with preparing for testing,
• Cover how to support sites during testing, and
• Assist coordinators in planning for post-test activities such as gathering feedback from site coordinators.

To register, visit the ELPAC Training Opportunities web page and register for a training date in your county/region, or any date that works for you.

Trainings will be offered by:

• Sacramento, El Dorado, and Placer County Offices of Education
• Santa Clara County Office of Education
• San Joaquin County Office of Education
• Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
• Kern County Superintendent of Schools
• Imperial County Office of Education
• San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools
• Riverside County Office of Education
• Los Angeles and Orange County Offices of Education

Understanding the Role of Interim Assessments

With the CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments available for LEAs to administer to students, it is important to be reminded of the appropriate use of these assessments.

Interim assessments serve as a valuable resource for LEAs to support teaching and learning throughout the academic year, offering timely feedback to educators and students. Available year-round, these assessments are designed to support instruction by helping educators identify areas of improvement and strengths of their students. The use of interim assessments by LEA staff is optional and should be done in conjunction with LEA guidelines and goals.

The primary purpose of the CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments is to serve as supportive tools for educational enhancement, not as instruments for high-stakes decision-making. State law prohibits the use of state-offered interim assessments for high-stakes purposes. Specifically, California Education Code Section 60642.7(b) states:

Results from the interim assessments shall not be used for any high-stakes purpose, including, but not limited to, teacher or other school staff evaluation, accountability, pupil grade promotion or retention, graduation, course or class placement, identification for gifted or talented education, reclassification of English learners, or identification as an individual with exceptional needs.

Further information about the interim assessments can be found in the Interim Assessment User Guide . In addition, links to relevant resources and systems are all available on the CAASPP Interim Assessment Administration Resources web page and ELPAC Interim Assessment Administration Resources web page .

Act Now: Important Update Regarding Expiring HiSET Test Vouchers

The Proficiency, Equivalency, and Fitness Testing Office has been informed by PSI Services (PSI) HiSET that a notification will be sent out regarding HiSET fee vouchers expiring as of December 2023.

• Your HiSET vouchers should be used now, before the expiration date.
• You can schedule a 2024 test session by registering before the deadline and using a current voucher.
• The 2024 price increase will impact the validity of the current voucher. If you do not use them prior to the expiration date, they will be voided.

Visit the PSI HiSET Submit a request web page for answers to any questions.

Once you select the link, on the main page under the Program option, scroll down to HiSET California and choose your area of need as Voucher Issues.

Please share this 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.