ELPAC Communication: May 2026
Email Update, May 4, 2026
This communication includes information about the Initial ELPAC, Summative ELPAC, Initial Alternate ELPAC, and Summative Alternate ELPAC.
Notice
2026–27 Initial Alternate ELPAC AST
Initial Alternate ELPAC Administration and Scoring Training (AST) will be available starting May 6, 2026, on the Moodle Training Site (Moodle). LEA ELPAC coordinators received information on April 29, 2026. Information and access codes will be emailed to LEA ELPAC coordinators on May 6, 2026.
Close of Summative ELPAC Testing on May 31, 2026
LEA ELPAC coordinators and site ELPAC coordinators should review the Completion Status Report in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) to ensure all Summative ELPAC domains have been completed and submitted for each student. Summative ELPAC Speaking scores must be entered into the Data Entry Interface (DEI) by the May 31 deadline. Test examiners are encouraged to enter Speaking scores into the DEI during testing or immediately after completion of the domain.
Note that if a student starts an ELPAC domain near the end of the testing window, the student must finish before the test administration window officially closes. The assessment will automatically end on the last day of the testing window, May 31. This will happen even if the student has not finished, and the assessment will be submitted for scoring. When the final day of testing occurs on a weekend day, LEAs are recommended to finish testing on the previous Friday (that is, May 29).
Returning Completed Summative ELPAC K–2 Answer Books
Return completed Summative ELPAC kindergarten through grade two (K–2) Writing Answer Books at least twice a month in the provided white cartons (boxes).
All Answer Books must be scheduled for pickup by June 12, 2026, to be scored. Refer to the List of Key Dates table in the Test Administration Features section of the ELPAC Online Test Administration Manual for a list of all pickup dates.
The instructions for generating a return shipping label have changed; refer to the instructions that were included with your LEA coordinator kit for the new steps. The new carrier for returns is FedEx. LEAs should keep a record of all tracking numbers.
Returns can be tracked in the Materials Tracking Lookup tool, which also tracks incoming pre-identification labels and ordered items, such as additional cartons, Group Identification Sheets, and special-version forms.
Reclassification
LEAs with students meeting reclassification criteria using the 2024–25 Summative ELPAC results should complete reclassification submissions to CALPADS by May 22, 2026, to ensure that the students’ English language acquisition status will be updated in TOMS on or before May 31, 2026.
The reclassification criteria set forth in California Education Code Section 313 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 11303 remain unchanged. LEAs should continue using the four criteria provided on the Reclassification web page to establish reclassification policies and procedures.
Test Security
Active Monitoring During Testing
Test administrators and test examiners must actively monitor students for the entire test session. Students may not access phones, smartwatches, notes, or unauthorized materials during active testing. Students must not receive assistance, prompts, or feedback related to test content. Leaving students unattended, even briefly, is not permitted.
Reporting Irregularities and Breaches
All testing irregularities and security breaches must be reported immediately using the Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS). Refer to the following resources for additional information on STAIRS processes:
Incidents involving interim assessments should be reported to the LEA’s assigned Success Agent.
Only SSIDs are needed when submitting a STAIRS case. Do not include personally identifiable information in STAIRS when describing a testing incident.
A STAIRS case should be submitted at least one week prior to the closing of the testing window, especially if the student will need to continue testing after an Appeal has been processed. Once the testing window closes, STAIRS cases cannot be submitted.
CARS
As part of the process for scoring constructed-response items, responses may be identified that warrant an LEA’s immediate attention. Upon discovery that a response requires attention, TOMS notifies the LEA ELPAC coordinator(s) and superintendent via email. Upon receipt, an LEA representative is required to acknowledge the Crisis Alert Response System (CARS) incident by logging on to TOMS, accessing the CARS page, and selecting the [Acknowledge] or [Acknowledge and Archive] button.
Signage
Prepare the following signage to use during test administration:
- Testing—Do Not Disturb
- Unauthorized electronic devices MAY NOT be used at any time during the testing session.
Additional Resources
- Identifying Testing Improprieties, Irregularities, and Breaches section of the ELPAC Online Test Administration Manual
- Security Incidents and Appeals Procedure Guide
- Test Security Guidelines for Test Administrators (Video; 10:37)
- Test Security Guidelines for Test Coordinators (Video; 10:27)
- Test Security web page
Reminder
2026–27 Initial ELPAC AST
The Initial ELPAC AST opened on April 20, 2026, in Moodle. Information and access codes were emailed to LEA ELPAC coordinators on April 20, 2026.
Upcoming Trainings
To register or locate additional details about upcoming trainings, including dates, times, and content, visit the Upcoming and On-Demand Trainings web page.
May 5: Initial ELPAC AST Overview and Q&A, 3–4 p.m.
This question and answer session, for LEA ELPAC coordinators and all LEA staff responsible for general ELPAC training, will cover updates to the AST for the upcoming Initial ELPAC administration.
Register now for the Initial ELPAC AST Overview and Q&A.
May 13 and May 20: Accessing Summative Assessment Results in CERS, 3:30–4:30 p.m.
Want to learn how to access your summative assessment results in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS)? Join us for two virtual training modules, available to all current and potential CERS users:
- May 13: Module One will focus on the 2025–26 Summative ELPAC, Summative Alternate ELPAC, and California Spanish Assessment.
- May 20: Module Two will focus on the 2025–26 Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts/literacy and mathematics, California Science Test, and California Alternate Assessments.
Register now for the Accessing Summative Assessment Results in CERS training modules.
May 19: Initial Alternate ELPAC AST Overview and Q&A, 3–4 p.m.
This question and answer session, for LEA ELPAC coordinators and all LEA staff responsible for Alternate ELPAC training, will cover updates to the AST for the upcoming Initial Alternate ELPAC administration.
Register now for the Initial Alternate ELPAC AST Overview and Q&A.
May 21: New Coordinator Training Webinar: Prepping Initial ELPAC and Initial Alternate ELPAC, 3–4 p.m.
This month’s New Coordinator Training Webinar will focus on preparing new LEA ELPAC coordinators for the upcoming Initial ELPAC and Initial Alternate ELPAC administration.
Register now for the New Coordinator Training Webinar Series.
May 27: Charter School Coordinator Quarterly Network Meeting, 9:30–11 a.m.
This session of the Charter School Coordinator Quarterly Network meetings will focus on preparing for CAASPP and ELPAC administration.
Register now for the May 2026 Charter School Assessment Coordinator Quarterly Network Meeting.
June 9: Coffee Session, 2–3 p.m.
These monthly virtual Coffee Sessions, hosted by the California Department of Education and ETS, offer opportunities for LEA staff to ask questions and get answers about assessments, trainings, resources, and more. If you are not already registered, register on the Coffee Session Series registration web page. By registering once, you will be eligible to attend all upcoming sessions.
Educator Involvement Opportunities
New Educator Meeting Opportunities
Here is your chance to be involved in, and influence, the development of California testing programs. We need educators like you to provide vital input on test composition, accessibility, and implementation. New opportunities for the 2026–27 school year will be announced via email on May 14, 2026.
Visit the Get Involved web page for additional information. Contact the Educator Opportunities Team by phone at 916-228-2682 or by email at edopportunities@scoe.net with any questions.
On-Demand Trainings and Recordings
A recording of the following training is now available on the Upcoming and On-Demand Trainings web page:
Previous ELPAC Monthly Communications
Previous ELPAC monthly communications, as well as other email communications, are located on the Coordinator Emails web page.
Additional Help
- Contact your region’s Success Agent for answers to questions about assessment coordination, development, and administration, as well as for technical support.
- Direct questions about Moodle, certification, and calibration to moodlesupport@scoe.net.
For further support, visit the Contact Us web page.
Sincerely,
California Outreach Team
CAASPP & ELPAC Website