Spring 2021 Assessment Administration Information

CAASPP and ELPAC email update, December 23, 2020.

Dear LEA CAASPP Coordinator, LEA ELPAC Coordinator, CAASPP Test Site Coordinator, or Site ELPAC Coordinator:

The California Department of Education (CDE) and ETS know that local educational agencies (LEAs) have been working hard to prepare for spring assessments. We understand that to accomplish this, you need more information regarding the options for assessments, guidelines on how to administer the assessments, and guidance on how to communicate with parents and guardians.

The CDE and ETS are currently working to address these needs and to publish guidelines that provide test administration options that will allow LEAs flexibility in meeting the needs of their unique context. When you return from winter break, we plan to provide much more information, as well as training opportunities, office hours, and webinars. In the meantime, in support of what was communicated in the CDE Assessment Spotlight, Issue 119 , here is some additional information we can share with you today.

Updates on the Alternate Assessments

• Alternate ELPAC

  The CDE is postponing the Alternate ELPAC Operational Field Test to the 2021–22 school year. Additional details regarding the use of locally determined alternate assessments for the students currently designated to take the Alternate ELPAC will be provided in January 2021.

• California Alternate Assessments (CAAs)

  Regarding the CAAs for English language arts/literacy (ELA), mathematics, and science, the CDE recommends in-person test administration, following state, county, and local health and safety requirements, for the provision of these tests. Remote administration is not recommended. LEAs should plan on administering these assessments when it is safe for both the student and test examiner to be together. The current Suggested Guidelines for Physically Distancing Test Administration web document will be updated to provide additional considerations for administration of the CAAs.

New for the Spring Administration

• In-Person and Remote Administration Options

  The CAASPP Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for ELA and mathematics, California Science Test (CAST), California Spanish Assessment (CSA), Summative ELPAC, and Initial ELPAC can now be administered in-person or remotely. An in-person test administration option—while adhering to state, county, and local health and safety requirements—is recommended. However, LEAs will have the option of assessing students in-person or remotely. Additional considerations for remote administration include the following:

  • Secure browsers will be required for all assessments, with the exception being those administered one-on-one. Detailed procedures for LEAs and parents/guardians will be provided.
  • There will be enhancements made to the test delivery system that provide in-system video monitoring, individual messaging, and one-on-one video calling features.
  • Potential options for the administration of the Summative ELPAC K–2 Writing domain are being pursued.

• (Coming Soon): Spring Test Administration Toolkits

  To assist LEAs with the spring 2021 administration, ETS will publish two new websites—one for educators and the other, for parents, guardians, and students—that will each offer instructions, videos, and guidelines. These websites will be further developed in the next few weeks and new materials will be added as soon as they are available. Visit the following links often for the most current information about CAASPP and ELPAC testing in spring 2021:

  • Website for Educators
  • Website for Parents/Guardians and Students

• Smarter Balanced Adjusted Form

  The California State Board of Education approved the use of an adjusted form for the CAASPP Smarter Balanced for ELA and mathematics. These assessments will be available on February 22, 2021. The computer adaptive test portion of each content area will be approximately one half of the full form; the performance tasks will remain the same. This adjustment should reduce the time it takes for students to complete these two assessments.

• What's New Webinar

  There will be a recorded webinar explaining the spring 2021 administration posted at the beginning of January. Please see the scheduled trainings for Q&As and other trainings available.

The CDE and ETS will continue to work through the details that will help you successfully navigate the upcoming 2020–21 CAASPP and ELPAC test administrations. Additional information will be sent through the weekly Assessment Spotlight emails from the CDE and as needed by the California Technical Assistance Center.

Sincerely,

California Outreach Team
Websites: https://www.caaspp.org/ and https://www.elpac.org/