2025–26 ELPAC Test Materials Return or Destruction Certification

Email Update, May 21, 2026

Dear LEA ELPAC Coordinator:

The 2025–26 Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC testing window closes on May 31, 2026. The 2025–26 Initial ELPAC and Initial Alternate ELPAC testing window closes on June 30, 2026.

Secure Destruction of the 2025–26 ELPAC and Alternate ELPAC Test Materials

LEAs have the option to either securely destroy test materials locally or return materials to Measurement Incorporated (MI) for destruction. LEAs must complete the 2025–26 ELPAC and Alternate ELPAC Materials Return or Destruction Certification form no later than Wednesday, July 15, 2026, informing ETS of the destruction method or the return of the test materials.

If returning the materials to MI for destruction, please follow the steps in the ELPAC and Alternate ELPAC Secure Destruction and Return Instructions.

Note that Initial ELPAC Answer Books and Initial Alternate ELPAC picture cards that were ordered for the 2025–26 administration can be reused for the 2026–27 test administration.

The following are examples of materials that will require secure destruction:

• Summative ELPAC Materials
  • Unused kindergarten through grade two (K–2) Writing Answer Books (Forms 1–6)
  • Voided K–2 Writing Answer Books (Forms 1–6)
  • Braille and large-print Test Books
  • Unused pre-identification labels
  • Student rosters
  • Printed and electronic Directions for Administration (DFAs)
  • Paper–pencil test materials(Edition 1)
    • Used Answer Books and Test Books (grades three through grade twelve [3–12])
    • Used Examiner’s Manuals
    • Audio scripts (Listening and Speaking)
• Initial ELPAC Materials
  • Used K–2 Writing Answer Books
  • Unused pre-identification labels
  • Student rosters
  • Printed and electronic DFAs (Store securely if being reused in the 2026–27 test administration.)
  • Paper–pencil test materials(Edition 1)
    • Used K–12 all-domain Answer Books
    • Used Test Books (grades 3–12)
    • Used Examiner’s Manuals
    • Audio scripts (Listening and Speaking)
• Initial Alternate ELPAC Materials
  • Student rosters
  • Printed and electronic DFAs (Store securely if being reused in the 2026–27 test administration.)
  • Picture cards (Store securely if being reused in the 2026–27 test administration.)
  • Test Item Preview (TIP) booklets (Store securely if being reused in the 2026–27 test administration.)
• Summative Alternate ELPAC Materials
  • Student rosters
  • Printed and electronic DFAs
  • Picture cards
  • TIP booklets

Materials Return Process

Materials to be destroyed should be returned in nonwhite cartons. Completed Summative ELPAC K–2 Writing materials needing to be scored must be returned in the white return cartons. All Answer Books must be received no later than June 19, 2026. To ensure materials are received in time to be processed, LEAs should have all Answer Books picked up by FedEx by June 12, 2026.

To request additional cartons, Group Identification Sheets (GISs), or paper bands, complete the ELPAC White Carton, Group ID Sheet (GIS), and Paper Bands Request Form.

For further support, visit the Contact Us web page.

Sincerely,

California Outreach Team
CAASPP & ELPAC Website