ELPAC Communication: September 2024
Email Update, September 2, 2024
This communication includes information about Initial ELPAC, Summative ELPAC, Initial Alternate ELPAC, and Summative Alternate ELPAC.
Notice
Census Day Reminder to Complete the Initial ELPAC and Initial Alternate ELPAC
For newly enrolled students to be included in the Unduplicated Pupil Count used to determine funding for the supplemental and concentration grants under the Local Control Funding Formula, students must complete the entire Initial ELPAC (all four domains) or Initial Alternate ELPAC before Census Day, which is on October 2, 2024.
Summative and Summative Alternate ELPAC Student Score Data File
The Summative and Summative Alternate ELPAC Student Score Data File is available in the [Reports] tab in TOMS. LEA users will be able to download the student data file in two report types:
- Enrolled LEA file: Data on students who were enrolled in the LEA as of the date the file was created
- Tested LEA file: Data on students who tested with the LEA during the 2023–24 school year as of the date the file was created
LEAs can use the Score Available Start Date and Score Available End Date filters to download a subset of the data based on the student's score availability date. To include all available students in the data file, leave February 1, 2024, as the Score Available Start Date.
The student data file layout includes field descriptions, acceptable values for fields, and data sources. Follow the steps outlined in the Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC Student Score Data File subsection in the TOMS User Guide. Please note that the score data file for LEAs will be available in Excel format. For larger LEAs, the Excel file will be split into multiple tabs.
Summative Alternate ELPAC SSR Electronic Distribution
The 2023–24 Summative Alternate ELPAC Student Score Reports (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.
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 test materials for the 2024–25 test administration. 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.
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-identification 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.
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.
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.
August 26–September 11: Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series
The California Department of Education (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.
September 10: 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.
September 17–October 1: Supporting Students with Interim Assessments—Shared Practices Webinar Series
Registration is open for the Supporting Students with Interim Assessments—Shared Practices Webinar Series. Join members of the CDE, classroom teachers, and administrators as they share how they are promoting and using state-provided interim assessments to support teaching and learning in the classroom. Each webinar in the series will focus on a different set of interim assessments. All sessions are held 3:30–5 p.m. on the following dates:
- Smarter Balanced for English language arts/literacy and Mathematics: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
- ELPAC: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
- CAST: Tuesday, October 1, 2024
September 19: New Coordinator Training Webinar #5, Accessibility, 3–4 p.m.
This webinar will provide information about accessibility and will end with a question and answer session with experienced coordinators. Register for one or more sessions in this series at 2024–25 New Coordinator Training Webinar Series.
The 2024 California Assessment Conference Registration is Open!
Register now for the 2024 California Assessment Conference (CAC)! This year's conference will focus on Empowering Educators: Leveraging Assessment Data and Tools for Classroom Success.
Register now to join us in person on October 15 through 17, 2024, in Riverside, CA. This is a unique chance for educators to connect with peers to explore assessment tools and strategies for improved learning and teaching. For more information, visit the California Assessment Conference website.
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 ELPAC Writing Range Finding meetings will be held in March 2025. Educators interested in participating should apply by November 22, 2024.
- The Alternate ELPAC Item Review meeting will be held in April 22 through 24, 2025. Educators interested in participating should apply by January 35
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 training was recently posted and is now available on the CAASPP and ELPAC Upcoming and On-Demand Trainings web page:
- August Coffee Session
- Assessment and Accountability Information Meeting
- Introduction to CERS for Teachers
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.
Ongoing Reminders
Administration of ELPAC Interim Assessments
The ELPAC Interim Assessments are available for the 2024–25 test administration. A second set of 28 new ELPAC Interim Assessments will be released on September 17, 2024.
The Interim Assessment User Guide has been updated for the 2024–25 administration year. The Interim Assessment User Guide provides guidance on the overall process for the administration of the ELPAC interim assessments and any updates made to these processes, including the update to the Data Entry Interface that requires educators to manually select the nonstandardized as the manner of administration when administering an assessment in a nonstandardized way.
Information on ELPAC Interim Assessments is available on the CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments web page.
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.