CAASPP Communication: November 2023

CAASPP email update, November 1, 2023.

This communication includes information and updates about the CAASPP .

Urgent Reminders

Setting Up Test Administration Windows

LEA CAASPP coordinators 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 2023–24 CAASPP test administration window is December 1, 2023. LEAs may need to set up more than one test administration window for schools with varying instructional dates; up to six windows can be configured per LEA. Refer to the TOMS User Guide and the TOMS: Setting Up Your Test Administration Window video for more information.

Upcoming Trainings

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

November 2: Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series, (Module 3C), 9 a.m.–Noon

Register now for Module 3C: California Science Test (CAST) Interim Assessment Hand Scoring—one component of the Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series . Module 3C will cover in-depth instruction and practice in hand scoring the constructed-response item on each CAST Interim Assessment and how to use hand scoring resources to support teaching and learning. The target audience for this session is teachers, instructional coaches, teachers on special, LEA coordinators, and administrators.

November 14: Coffee Session

These virtual Coffee Sessions, hosted by the California Department of Education and ETS once a month, 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 for one or more upcoming sessions of the 2023–24 Coffee Session Series .

November 15 and 29: Accessibility Resources Live Training Sessions

Register now for the Accessibility Resources Module B Live Session . This module focuses on using accessibility resources in daily instruction. There are two opportunities to attend. One session will be held on November 15, 2023, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and a second session will be held on November 29 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Both sessions will cover the same content. This session is intended to supplement the information in the Accessibility Resources Asynchronous Training.

Prior to attending this live session, participants will be expected to watch all the Module A and Module B training videos available on the Accessibility Resources Asynchronous Training web page. Module A of this asynchronous training should be completed prior to Module B.

November 28: What's New Overview Question and Answer Session for the CSA Webinar, 3–4:30 p.m.

Register now for the What's New Overview Question and Answer Session for the California Spanish Assessment (CSA) . This webinar, hosted by SCOE, will provide information about the expanded CSA and how to prepare for the upcoming field test. Topics will include the expansion of the CSA, the new speaking and full-write rubrics, and new resources available for coordinators.

November 29: Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network Meeting, 9:30–11 a.m.

Registration is now open to all for the November 2023 Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network Meeting . This meeting is a great opportunity to learn about how other charter schools handle statewide assessment administration and connect with other charter school assessment coordinators.

Educator Meeting Opportunities

There are opportunities for California educators who are bilingual and biliterate in Spanish to participate in the development of the CSA. Participation in development offers many opportunities to have powerful input into the development and administration of the CSA. Upcoming virtual meetings include the Item Review Meeting and Writing Range Finding.

To apply for these meetings, go to the Educator Opportunities Portal . If you do not have an Educator Opportunities Portal account, you will need to create an account via the Educator Opportunities Portal Account Creation Form in the Educator Opportunities Database. If you have any questions, please contact the Educator Opportunities Team by phone at 916-228-2682 or by email at edopportunities@scoe.net.

Available Now!

Asynchronous Trainings

The following live trainings were recently posted and are now available on the CAASPP Asynchronous Training Opportunities web page:

Ongoing Reminders

CAST Interim Assessments Available to Administer

The CAST Interim Assessments are now available to administer, score, and generate results. More information on the new CAST Interim Assessments and new training opportunities is available on the CAASPP Interim Assessment Administration Resources web page.

CAA for Science Administration

The California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for is available for testing. Test examiners are encouraged to build their curriculum to allow eligible students to take the four embedded performance tasks throughout the year, following related instruction in each science domain. The four CAA for Science embedded performance tasks can be administered in any order.

2023–24 CAA Test Examiner Tutorial Available in Moodle

The 2023–24 CAA Test Examiner Tutorial is available on the Moodle Training Site (Moodle) . The Test Examiner Tutorial covers general information and highlights best practices for the administration of the CAA for Science and the CAAs for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics. The tutorial does not contain any secure content.

The CAA Test Examiner Tutorial contains three sections—General Requirements, CAA for Science, and CAAs for ELA and Mathematics. All test examiners must complete the "General Requirements" section of the tutorial and at least one subject area section to receive a certificate of completion. Test examiners must complete this training prior to testing.

Test examiners will need their enrollment key from their LEA coordinator to access the training. LEA coordinators can track test examiner certificate completion in Moodle.

Scoring Job Opportunities

ETS applications for scorers. This is an excellent opportunity for educators to become more familiar with the California assessments. Scoring schedules are flexible and can include four-, six-, and eight-hour weekday or weekend shifts. California educators interested in applying can view more information on the 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 CAASPP Monthly Communications

Previous CAASPP monthly communications, as well as other email communications, are located on the CAASPP Coordinator Emails web page.

Additional Help

Direct questions about policies, regulations, and requirements to caaspp@cde.ca.gov.
Contact your 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 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.

Sincerely,

California Outreach Team

CAASPP website