ELPAC Communication: August 2024
Email Update, August 1, 2024
This communication includes information about Initial ELPAC, Summative ELPAC, Initial Alternate ELPAC, and Summative Alternate ELPAC.
Notice
K–12 SSR Availability for Summative and Summative Alternate ELPAC
Summative and Summative Alternate ELPAC K–12 Student Score Reports (SSRs) are available in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) for students who have completed testing and scoring is completed. The ongoing release of updated data files and K–12 SSRs will occur every weekday.
Prepare for Summative Alternate ELPAC SSR Electronic Distribution
The 2023–24 Summative Alternate ELPAC SSRs are now available. Ensure SSRs are populated in the student information system for the correct students in a timely manner, as outlined in the Distributing SSRs chapter of the CAASPP and ELPAC Scoring and Reporting Guide. Ensure the SSRs are properly displayed and that the SSRs parents/guardians can access are only for their own child. Parents/Guardians must be notified of their child's results within the first 15 working days of the new academic year. The SSRs may be combined with the annual parent/guardian notification letters for students taking the alternate assessments. Sample letters are available on the Notification Letter Templates web page.
ELPAC Domain Exemptions in CERS
An indicator has been added to the California Educator Reporting System (CERS) interface and export file to identify students who received a Summative ELPAC domain exemption or who did not test in a domain without an exemption.
Initial ELPAC 2024–25 Field Test: New Forms and Materials
The 2024–25 Initial ELPAC administration will consist of two new forms containing field test items. This will support the development of items to refresh the operational test form for the 2025–26 Initial ELPAC administration. Form assignments are available on the Initial ELPAC Form Assignments web page.
All LEAs must order new Initial ELPAC field testing materials for the 2024–25 test administration. The Initial ELPAC primary order window closed on May 10, 2024. Initial ELPAC field testing materials orders can be made during the supplemental test materials order window, which began on May 13, 2024, and ends on June 6, 2025. All previous-year Initial ELPAC testing materials should have been securely destroyed at the conclusion of the 2023–24 Initial ELPAC administration window. Please note, LEAs must inform ETS of the method of destruction or of the return of the test materials by completing the 2023–24 ELPAC and Alternate ELPAC Materials Return or Destruction Certification form no later than Monday, July 15, 2024.
2024–25 Initial ELPAC AST Is Available
The 2024–25 Initial ELPAC has been updated to include embedded field test items within the two forms, requiring all LEAs to participate and complete the Administration and Scoring Training (AST). The training is delivered virtually through the Moodle Training Site (Moodle).
New for this year: LEAs that do not complete the certification course for the 2024–25 Initial ELPAC AST by August 2, 2024, will be sent a reminder. LEAs that continue to be non-completers by mid-August can be subject to a Tier 2 audit.
Alternatively, an LEA that does not anticipate having any students designated with an English language acquisition status of To Be Determined (TBD) in CALPADS must still complete the certification course or enter into an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a neighboring LEA that has completed the certification course. If the primary LEA subsequently enrolls a TBD student, the neighboring LEA may administer the Initial ELPAC for the primary LEA or train their test examiners.
Refer to the Moodle Training Site User Guide on the Moodle home page for helpful information on how to access the training and navigate Moodle.
2024–25 Initial Alternate ELPAC AST Is Available
The 2024–25 Initial Alternate ELPAC AST is now open. This course is for LEA-level assessment staff only and functions as both a separate LEA certification course and as a supplement to the annual Summative Alternate ELPAC—LEA Certification course. Each LEA that has students eligible to take the Initial Alternate ELPAC is required to have at least one staff member complete both this course and the Summative Alternate ELPAC—LEA Certification course. LEAs should certify for the 2024–25 Initial Alternate ELPAC AST by August 2, 2024, or within two weeks of an eligible student's enrolling. LEAs that do not complete the certification course for the 2024–25 Initial Alternate ELPAC AST by August 2, or within two weeks of a student's enrolling, will be sent a reminder. If LEAs continue to be non-completers, they can be subject to a Tier 2 audit.
Alternatively, an LEA with a small number of eligible students may enter into an MOU with a neighboring LEA that has agreed to train test examiners to administer the Initial Alternate ELPAC or administer the test to eligible students if needed. LEAs should send an email to SCOE at elpac@scoe.net to confirm the MOU with the neighboring LEA. The MOU should also confirm the neighboring LEA has completed Initial Alternate ELPAC training.
More information can be found on the Test Administration Trainings and Tutorials web page.
Reminders
Initial ELPAC 2024–25: RSVP and Form 2 Second Scoring
LEAs participating in the Rotating Score Validation Process (RSVP) and Form 2 Second Scoring can access the RSVP and Second Scoring for the Initial ELPAC web page to find their assignment, administration details, and mandatory steps for returning kindergarten through grade two Answer Books. For those participating in RSVP, a Comparison Report will be made available. Note that RSVP applies to a subset of schools assigned to Form 1 and second scoring applies to a subset of schools assigned to Form 2.
Pre-ID and Group Identification Sheets are set to arrive at LEAs by August 19, 2024, for students tested with the 2024–25 Initial ELPAC between July 3 and August 2, 2024. Completed Answer Books for this set of students should be sent back to ETS by September 6, 2024.
Reclassification Reminder
Students who scored at Summative ELPAC Overall Performance Level (PL) 4 and students who scored at Summative Alternate ELPAC Overall PL 3 for the 2022–23 ELPAC administration can no longer be evaluated for reclassification, as the 2023–24 test administration window has ended. Students who were not reclassified prior to the end of the 2023–24 test administration will now need to be evaluated using the 2023–24 summative results. Visit the California Department of Education (CDE) Reclassification web page for more information.
Reminder to Use the Test Item Preview Booklet in Moodle
The secure Test Item Preview (TIP) booklet for the Initial Alternate ELPAC is aimed to help test examiners prepare and individualize supplemental testing materials needed by an individual student. The TIP is located in the resources section at the bottom of both the LEA certification and test examiner certification courses on Moodle. This resource provides educators with item details to prepare augmentative and alternative communication devices, collect realia, or determine whether the use of alternate response options is required for the student to access the assessment. This secure document is a reflection of what is shown in the test delivery system without having to log on to the system.
Upcoming Trainings
To register or locate additional details about upcoming trainings, including dates, times, and content, visit the Upcoming and On-Demand Training Opportunities web page.
Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting
Register for the 2024–25 Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting. These virtual sessions will provide coordinators with the latest information and updates on California's assessment and accountability systems. This presentation will be recorded and posted, once available, on the Upcoming and On-Demand Training Opportunities web page.
The sessions will be held weekly on three afternoons in August, from 2 to 4 p.m. The dates and topics are as follows:
- August 1: Cross Program Updates for CAASPP and ELPAC, Interim and Formative Assessments, Physical Fitness Test, High School Equivalency and California Proficiency Programs, and National and International Assessments
- August 8: ELPAC, California Spanish Assessment, English language arts/literacy and Mathematics Assessments, Science Assessments
- August 15: California School Dashboard and Accountability
August 13: Coffee Session, 2–3 p.m.
These virtual monthly 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, you can register on the Coffee Session Series registration web page. By registering once, you will be eligible to attend all upcoming sessions.
August 13: Introduction to CERS for Teachers, 1–3 p.m.
Register now for the August 2024 Introduction to CERS for Teachers webinar. This two-hour online training is designed for LEA staff who have or will have access to CERS assessment results. This webinar will cover an overview of CERS features, including accessing summative results, making customized student groups, and other key features and resources.
August 22: New Coordinator Training Webinar #4, Systems and TOMS, 3–4 p.m.
This webinar will provide information about assessment systems and TOMS and will end with a question and answer session with experienced coordinators. Register for one or more sessions in this at 2024–25 New Coordinator Training Webinar Series.
August 26–September 11: Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series
The CDE invites you to attend the 2024 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series. The 2024 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series will consist of three distinct, independent modules with multiple opportunities to attend. Modules 1 and 2 apply to all interim assessments, while Module 3 includes separate hand scoring sessions tailored to each program's interim assessments.
Register for the 2024 California Assessment Conference
Attendees will have the opportunity to customize their learning experience by selecting from over 80 sessions presented by educators from across California. Attendees also have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions with the CDE and will receive valuable updates on California's assessments. Register for the 2024 California Assessment Conference.
Register for 2024–25 Coffee Sessions
Register for the 2024–25 Coffee Session Series. Virtual monthly 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. By registering once, you will be eligible to attend all upcoming sessions.
Educator Meeting Opportunities
We need your input! California educators are an essential part of the assessment development process. Teachers who work closely with our students provide an important perspective that informs and improves CAASPP and the ELPAC. Meetings are held remotely, and this is an excellent opportunity for participating educators to provide vital input in test composition, accessibility, and implementation.
Opportunities for the 2024–25 test administration year are now available. The Initial ELPAC Data Review Meeting will be held December 10 and 11, 2024, Educators interested in participating should apply by August 23, 2024. Details for upcoming meetings can be found on the Get Involved web page on the CAASPP & ELPAC Website.
To apply for educator meetings, go to the Educator Opportunities Portal. Those without an Educator Opportunities Portal account can create an account via the Educator Opportunities Portal Account Creation Form. For any questions, please contact the Educator Opportunities Team by phone at 916-228-2682 or by email at edopportunities@scoe.net.
Available Now!
Asynchronous Training
The following live trainings were recently posted and are now available on the CAASPP and ELPAC Upcoming and On-Demand Trainings web page:
- July 2024 Coffee Session
- ELPAC On-Demand Hand Scoring Training
- New Coordinator Training #3: Receiving Results
Understanding the Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC SSRs
Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC SSRs have been updated for this test administration. A new Understanding the Summative ELPAC SSR video and a new Understanding the Summative Alternate ELPAC SSR video are now available for parents/guardians. These videos can be used at English Language Advisory Committee meetings with parents/guardians at the site and LEA levels. We recommend your LEA include these links wherever your LEA is providing SSRs to parents/guardians. Spanish versions will be available soon.
Web Page Update
The CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments web page is now available and will be updated with more information and resources as they become available.
Ongoing Reminders
Administration of ELPAC Interim Assessments
Please note that the 2023–24 interim assessments will remain available until Friday, August 2, 2024, at 5.p.m. To ensure that student results from all completed 2023–24 interim assessments appear in CERS, all outstanding hand scoring must be completed in the Teacher Hand Scoring System (THSS) prior to the system downtime on August 2, 2024, at 5 p.m. During the system downtime that begins on August 2, student responses for the interim assessments will be cleared from the THSS and will no longer be available for hand scoring.
After the downtime concludes on August 5, 2024, the 2024–25 ELPAC Interim Assessments will be available to administer.
Information on ELPAC Interim Assessments is available on the CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments web page.
Initial Alternate ELPAC Test Assignments in TOMS
Newly enrolled students eligible to be assessed with an initial assessment must be assessed within the first 30 calendar days of student enrollment; however, students might not have an individualized education program (IEP) designating the student to take an alternate assessment prepared in time. In these instances, the student should be assessed with the Initial ELPAC using universal tools and designated supports as appropriate.
The assignment of the Initial ELPAC does not require students to be assigned to the Summative ELPAC. If the IEP team determines later that the student is eligible to take alternate assessments and the student has been identified as an English learner, the student should be assigned the Summative Alternate ELPAC.
SSR Electronic Distribution
Ensure SSRs are populated in your student information system for the correct students in a timely manner, as outlined in the Distributing SSRs chapter of the CAASPP and ELPAC Scoring and Reporting Guide. In addition, ensure that SSRs are properly displayed in such a manner for parents/guardians to be able to access only scores for their own children.
Scoring Job Opportunities
ETS is accepting applications for scorers. This is an excellent opportunity for educators to become more familiar with the new generation of California assessments. Scoring schedules are flexible and can include four-, six-, and eight-hour weekday or weekend shifts. California educators interested in applying can access more information on the ETS Online Scoring web page. Questions about the application or hiring process should be directed to etsrater@ets.org. Current scorers can reach out to ratercertify@ets.org for any scoring-related questions.
Previous ELPAC Monthly Communications
Previous ELPAC monthly communications, as well as other email communications, can be found on the Coordinator Emails web page.
Additional Help
- Send direct questions about policies, regulations, and requirements to elpac@cde.ca.gov.
- Contact your region's assigned Success Agent for answers to questions about assessment coordination, development, and administration, as well as for technical support.
- Send direct questions about Moodle, certification, and calibration to moodlesupport@scoe.net.
- Get Answers using this lookup tool available to help LEA coordinators quickly find answers to the most common testing questions. Users can also make suggestions for Additional Questions for the FAQs, which are reviewed on a regular basis.
- For further support, visit the Contact Us web page.