CAASPP Communication: September 2022

CAASPP email update, September 1, 2022.

This communication includes information and updates about the CAASPP .

Urgent Reminders

Setting Up Test Administration Windows

LEAs can now begin to set up test administration windows for the CAASPP in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) . The deadline for setting up a 2022–23 CAASPP test administration window is December 1, 2022. Schools within an LEA may have varying instructional dates, which means LEA coordinators may need to set up more than one test administration window and then assign each school accordingly. Up to six windows can be configured. Refer to the TOMS User Guide and the Setting Up Your Test Admin Window in TOMS video for more information.

CSA Item Writer Workshop Application Deadline

The deadline to apply to participate in the California Spanish Assessment (CSA) Item Writer Workshop is September 9, 2022. This workshop will take place November 15 through 17, 2022. Participants will receive training on how to write assessment items and learn about opportunities to write items for use in future versions of the CSA. To apply for this meeting, go to the Educator Opportunities Portal . If you do not have an Educator Opportunities Portal account, you will need to create an account in the Educator Opportunities Database. If you have forgotten your password or have any questions about how to get involved in this and other educator opportunities, please contact Sue Vue, staff secretary of the CAASPP and ELPAC Project Team, by phone at 916-228-2682 or by email at edopportunities@scoe.net.

Upcoming Dates

September 7: CAASPP Student Score Data File Updated

The CAASPP Student Score Data File will be updated and released in TOMS and in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS) on September 7, 2022. CSA Student Score Reports will be released on September 8, 2022. The data file includes results for all students who took the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics, California Science Test, California Alternate Assessments for ELA and mathematics, and the California Spanish Assessment.

Upcoming Trainings

To register or find additional details about upcoming trainings, including dates, times, or content, visit the CAASPP Training Opportunities web page.

September 6 and 13: Matching Accessibility Resources to Students' Needs Live Training Sessions

The Matching Accessibility Resources to Students' Needs videos are available on the CAASPP Accessibility Resources Virtual Training Series web page. After watching the videos, educators can attend one of the two 60-minute live training sessions offered. These working sessions will include application strategies presented during the video series and will give you an opportunity to collaborate with other educators in breakout rooms. Register for Session 1 or Session 2.

September 8: Pretest Virtual Training Series

The first two-hour session, Preparing for Testing, will help LEA coordinators plan for the administration of the CAASPP and ELPAC summative assessments, prepare to administer interim assessments, develop plans for data quality checks, and prepare LEA systems for testing. Send questions in advance by submitting them on a Pretest Virtual Training Series Q&A Form . Register now for the Pretest Virtual Training Series.

September 13: Coffee Session, 2–3 p.m.

Register now for the September 2022 Coffee Session on the 2022–23 Coffee Sessions Webinar Registration web page. Use the 2022–23 CAASPP–ELPAC Coffee Session Content Request Form to submit questions, request demonstrations, or share a best practice.

September 20–October 12: Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series

If you missed the summer sessions, the Interim and Formative Assessment (IFA) Training Series is offering fall sessions beginning on September 20, 2022. This engaging training series provides direct, online training focused on leveraging the interim and formative components of the Smarter Balanced comprehensive system of assessments to inform teaching and learning. Visit the 2022 IFA Training Series registration web page for more information.

September 22: LEA Data Preview Q&A Webinar, 2–3 p.m.

This webinar will offer an opportunity for LEA coordinators to ask questions and get answers about the CAASPP and ELPAC student score data releases. Register now for the LEA Data Preview Q&A Webinar.

September 22: New Coordinator Training Webinar #2, 3–4 p.m.

This webinar provides new coordinators information on accessibility resources and the coordinator role in relation to accessibility, as well as a question and answer session with experienced coordinators.

September 29: Supporting Teaching and Learning with the Tools for Teachers Website, 3:30–4:30 p.m.

This webinar will feature California educators sharing how they use Tools for Teachers and related resources to support teaching and learning in the classroom and will include a question-and-answer session. Register now for this September 2022 Tools for Teachers Shared Practices Webinar.

October 13 and November 1: Introduction to CERS for Teachers

This two-hour online training will engage attendees in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS) and will cover everything from an overview of CERS features and assessment results to resources to support classroom instruction. Register now on the Introduction to CERS for Teachers registration web page .

October 18–20: California Assessment Conference

This conference, with the theme "Partners in Progress: Harnessing the Power of Student Assessment," is presented by educators from across California. Attendees will hear from outstanding keynote presenters, participate in Q&A sessions with the CDE, and receive valuable updates on California's assessments. Register now for the October 2022 California Assessment Conference.

October 26: Introduction to CERS for Coordinators and Administrators

This three-hour online training will engage attendees in CERS and will include both an overview of CERS features as well as how to manage teachers and rosters. Register now for the October 2022 Introduction to CERS for Coordinators and Administrator training.

Available Now!

Manuals, Instructions, and Quick Reference Guides

Videos

Ongoing Reminders

CAA Test Examiner Tutorial

The California Alternate Assessment (CAA) Test Examiner Tutorial became available on the Moodle Training Site (Moodle) on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. The tutorial covers general, nonsecure information and highlights best practices for the administration of the CAA for Science and the CAAs for English language arts/literacy and mathematics. Test examiners must complete the training and receive a certificate of completion before administering the CAAs. Coordinators can monitor test examiner progress within Moodle. Coordinators received the Resources to Prepare for the 2022–23 California Alternate Assessments email on July 25, 2022, with information about accessing and completing the course. Visit the Moodle Training Site Information web page for more information.

CAA for Science Administration

Administration of the 2022–23 CAA for Science begins September 6, 2022.

LEAs are required to administer all four of the CAA for Science embedded performance tasks, in any order, to all eligible students.
- These are administered one-on-one throughout the school year, shortly after the student has received the related science instruction.
All four embedded performance tasks must be administered for the student to be considered as having completed the assessment.
A test examiner must complete both the General and Science Test Examiner Tutorials before administering the CAA for Science to a student.

LEAs are encouraged to begin preparing for and administering the assessment early. For assistance with early planning, please use the 2022–23 CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides. Please visit the CAAs web page for more information on certification and administration.

Interim Assessments Available

The 2022–23 Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments became available, August 2, 2022—including new Focused Interim Assessment Blocks and performance tasks. Check out the Interim Assessments At-a-Glance for the more than 200 available interim assessment forms! The interim assessments continue to be available for remote administration, although use of the secure browser is required for in-person administration.

Previous CAASPP Monthly Communications

Previous CAASPP monthly communications, as well as other email communications, can be found on the CAASPP Coordinator Emails web page.

Additional Help

Direct questions about policies, regulations, and requirements to caaspp@cde.ca.gov.
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.
Get Answers from a new user-friendly lookup tool available to help LEA coordinators quickly find answers to the most common testing questions. Users can also suggest Additional Questions for the FAQ , which will be reviewed on a regular basis.
Chat with Anita, your virtual assistant for LEA help, which is available on the CAASPP and ELPAC home pages. Unanswered questions will be routed to your LEA Success Agent.

Direct any questions about the CAASPP to your LEA Success Agent . Visit the California Outreach web page for other support options.

Sincerely,

California Outreach Team

CAASPP website