CAASPP Communication: July 2026
This communication includes information and updates about CAASPP.
Notices
July 7: 2026–27 Test Administration Year Rollover
To prepare for the rollover into the 2026–27 school year, system downtime began on June 30, 2026. The rollover of Test Operations Management System (TOMS) user roles for the 2026–27 school year will happen on July 7, 2026, for both CAASPP and ELPAC. The 2026–27 TOMS roles will be made available, and all roles from 2025–26 will be deactivated.
July 31: Last Day for 2025–26 Interim Assessments
The 2025–26 CAASPP and ELPAC interim assessments will remain available until July 31, 2026, at 5 p.m. Student responses for the interim assessments will be cleared from the Teacher Hand Scoring System (THSS) after 5 p.m. and will no longer be available for hand scoring.
To ensure that student results from all completed 2025–26 interim assessments appear in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS), all outstanding hand scoring must be completed and submitted in the THSS before 5 p.m. on July 31. If the LEA intends for some interim assessment administrations not to have scores sent to CERS, no action is needed, and the responses will be cleared as scheduled.
To prepare for 2026–27 interim assessments, CAASPP and ELPAC systems will be updated from Friday, July 31, 2026, at 5 p.m. to Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8 a.m. During this time, all CAASPP and ELPAC interim assessments will be unavailable for administration, local scoring, and viewing in the following systems:
- Data Entry Interface
- Interim Assessment Viewing System
- Test Delivery System
- THSS
The interim assessments will become available for the 2026–27 school year at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.
Test Security
Security Forms
As new users are designated for the 2026–27 test administration year, ensure users log on to TOMS to sign their security forms before accessing systems or materials. LEA staff who handle test materials but do not access TOMS should sign the 2026–27 CAASPP Test Security Affidavit for Non-TOMS Users.
The optional Sample Interim Assessment Test Security Agreement is available for LEAs to use at their discretion.
Training and Local Readiness
All staff should complete annual test security training prior to supporting any testing activity. Test security resources can be found on the Test Security web page.
All Moodle Training Site (Moodle) LEA certifications and test examiner trainings must be completed as per state regulations.
Active Monitoring
Protect all secure materials and student logon credentials at all times. TOMS and CERS grant access to student personally identifiable information—be judicious about assigning a TOMS account that grants access to CERS.
Ensure active monitoring during all testing, including for interim assessments.
Reminder
First Release of Summative Assessment SSRs
The first releases of Smarter Balanced for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics as well as California Science Test (CAST) Student Score Reports (SSRs) began in May. Families must be notified of summative CAASPP results within 20 working days after receipt of the SSRs or 20 working days from the beginning of the next instructional school year.
Refer to the Scoring and Reporting Guide to learn more about CAASPP reporting, including how to interpret results, compare results, and distribute SSRs.
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.
July 7, 10, and 14: Interim and Formative Assessment Webinar Series
This California Department of Education (CDE)–sponsored free professional learning opportunity consists of three live webinars focused on the interim and formative components of the CAASPP and ELPAC assessment systems. Register now for the Interim and Formative Assessment Webinar Series.
- Webinar 1: Formative Assessment and Tools for Teachers
- Date: July 7, 2026
- Time: 9–11 a.m.
- Webinar 2: CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments
- Date: July 10, 2026
- Time: 9–11 a.m.
- Webinar 3: Educator Panel and Shared Practices
- Date: July 14, 2026
- Time: 9–10:30 a.m.
July 14: Coffee Session, 2–3 p.m.
These monthly virtual Coffee Sessions, hosted by the CDE 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.
July 16: New Coordinator Training Webinar: Receiving Results, 3–4 p.m.
This webinar will cover the 2025–26 assessment results LEAs can expect, important follow-up actions, and details about SSRs. Registration for the 2026–27 New Coordinator Training Webinar Series is open.
July 16, 21, 23, 28, and 29: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Summer Workshop Series, 9–11 a.m.
These free and engaging professional learning online workshops are designed to introduce you to and build your confidence in completing the required hand scoring on the CAASPP and ELPAC interim assessments. Register for the Interim Assessment Hand Scoring Summer Workshop Series.
- Workshop 1: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring—ELA
- Date: July 16, 2026
- Workshop 2: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring—Mathematics
- Date: July 21, 2026
- Workshop 3: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring—CAST
- Date: July 23, 2026
- Workshop 4a: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring—ELPAC Speaking
- Date: July 28, 2026
- Workshop 4b: Interim Assessment Hand Scoring—ELPAC Writing
- Date: July 29, 2026
Educator Involvement Opportunities
New Educator Meeting Opportunities
New opportunities for the 2026–27 school year are now available. 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.
- The CAST Item Review Meetings for grade five and high school begin on January 12, 2027. The application closes on September 25, 2026.
- The CAST Item Review Meetings for grade eight begin on February 2, 2027. The application closes on October 8, 2026.
For a full list of available opportunities, visit the Get Involved web page. 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 trainings are now available on the Upcoming and On-Demand Trainings web page:
Previous CAASPP Monthly Communications
Previous CAASPP 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