ELPAC Communication: April 2023
ELPAC email update, April 3, 2023.
This communication includes information about the Initial, Summative, Initial Alternate, and Summative Alternate ELPAC.
Urgent Reminders
Complete the Required LEA Certification Now
Any LEAs that are not yet certified must access the statewide Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC Administration and Scoring Trainings (ASTs) in the Moodle Training Site (Moodle) . Training is required annually and must be completed by all LEAs for the Summative ELPAC and by all LEAs with eligible students for the Summative Alternate ELPAC as soon as possible. Moodle keys are available on the AST website
. Direct questions about trainings to Moodle Support at moodlesupport@scoe.net.
Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC Administration Continues
The Summative ELPAC and Summative Alternate ELPAC test administration window is February 1 through May 31, 2023.
Summative ELPAC test examiners should
- complete the Summative ELPAC Speaking calibration in Moodle
for the grade levels or grade spans they are administering, and
- enter scores into the Data Entry Interface immediately after administration of the Speaking domain.
Summative Alternate ELPAC test examiners should complete the Alternate ELPAC—Test Examiner Certification course in Moodle prior to testing students.
Designate an LEA ELPAC Coordinator
The deadline to designate the LEA ELPAC coordinator for the 2023–24 ELPAC administration has passed and should be done immediately in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) . Once designated, the user can select the LEA ELPAC Coordinator role from the Logged on as: drop-down list in the top-right corner of TOMS to sign the necessary security forms.
Prepare for SSR Electronic Distribution
Collaborate with technology personnel to ensure that connections between the local student information system (SIS) and TOMS are active, which will result in Student Score Reports (SSRs) populating in a timely manner, as outlined in the Options for Distributing SSRs section in the ELPAC Post-Test Guide
. Ensure the reports are properly displayed and parents/guardians can access the report. The SIS vendor credentials
have a 365-day expiration rule. If needed, regenerate credentials for the SIS to securely connect to TOMS.
Upcoming Dates
April 10: Initial ELPAC Writing Test Materials Order
LEAs will use TOMS to order Initial ELPAC Writing domain testing materials for kindergarten through grade two (K–2). Primary orders for 2023–24 Initial ELPAC test materials can be placed from April 10 through May 5, 2023.
April 7 and 21: Return K–2 Writing Answer Books
The next dates to request a pickup of completed K–2 Writing Answer Books for returning to ETS for scoring are April 7 and 21, 2023. For a list of all pickup dates, please refer to the List of Key Dates table. The sooner LEAs return K–2 Writing Answer Books, the sooner ETS is able to complete the quality-control process to release SSRs.
Upcoming Trainings
To register or locate additional details about upcoming trainings, including dates, times, or content, visit the ELPAC Upcoming Training Opportunities web page.
April 11: Coffee Session, 2–3 p.m.
Register now for the April 2023 Coffee Session . Use the Coffee Session Content Request Form
to submit questions, request demonstrations, or share a best practice.
April 20: New Coordinator Training Webinar #5, 3–4 p.m.
The New Coordinator Training Webinar #5 will include a review of upcoming coordinator checklist tasks, a deep dive into preparing for summative assessment results, and a question and answer session with experienced coordinators.
April 24: Initial ELPAC AST
The 2023–24 Initial ELPAC AST will open on Monday, April 24, 2023.
April 24 and 27: Data-Driven Decision-Making Training Series for Educational Leaders (Module 4)
This training series consists of four ninety-minute modules. Module 4 will cover why a local data-driven decision-making system is important, as well as protected team planning time to construct actionable steps for creating or improving a robust local data system. Team attendance is encouraged, and teams could include LEA and site coordinators, curriculum leads, and teacher leaders or coaches.
May 4: Accessing Summative Assessment Results in CERS, 9–10:15 a.m.
Module 1 will focus on preparing to access the California Spanish Assessment, Summative ELPAC, and Summative Alternate ELPAC results in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS). This session will include live demonstrations about how to access specific summative assessment results, view and interpret individual score reports, and understand data features. There will be time to explore the system features and to hold a question and answer session.
May 10: Initial Alternate ELPAC AST
The 2023–24 Initial Alternate ELPAC AST will open on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.
May 8: Initial ELPAC What's New Overview, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
LEA staff responsible for ELPAC training should register for the 2023–24 Initial ELPAC What's New Overview Question and Answer Session . Questions can be submitted beforehand through Moodle.
Available Now!
Web Page Updates
- Initial ELPAC Test Administration
- Rotating Score Validation Process for the Initial ELPAC
- Initial ELPAC Administration and Scoring Trainings
- Alternate ELPAC Administration and Scoring Trainings
- The Past Training Opportunities web page has been renamed to the Asynchronous Training Opportunities web page
Asynchronous Trainings
The following live trainings were recently posted and are now available asynchronously:
- Data-Driven Decision-Making Training Series for Educational Leaders Module 3
- Supporting Student Success with Interim Assessments and Tools for Teachers
Videos
- Introduction to the Alternate ELPAC for Parents
(Updated in Spanish)
- ELPAC Overview
(Updated in Spanish)
- Understanding the Summative ELPAC Score Report
(Updated in Spanish)
Ongoing Reminders
Scoring Job Opportunities
ETS accepts 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 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.
Educator Opportunities Upcoming Meetings
These meetings are for educators who want to be involved in the development and review of test questions for California assessment programs. To apply for future meetings, 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 educator opportunities, please contact the Educator Opportunities Team by phone at 916-228-2682 or by email at edopportunities@scoe.net.
Accessibility Resources Virtual Training Series
This asynchronous training provides guidance on the appropriate assignment of accessibility resources in the classroom for the CAASPP and the ELPAC. All embedded videos on this web page should be watched in their entirety and in the order listed. Visit the ELPAC Accessibility Resources Virtual Training Series web page for video modules and resources.
Form Assignments and Second Scoring Assignments
LEA ELPAC coordinators can access all Directions for Administration (DFA) forms in TOMS. Test examiners can only access the DFAs corresponding to their LEA's form assignment in TOMS. Form assignments and second scoring assignments for the 2022–23 test administration are available on the following web pages:
- Form Assignments for the Summative ELPAC Administration
- Form Assignments for the Summative Alternate ELPAC Administration
- Second Scoring Assignments for the Summative Alternate ELPAC Administration
ELPAC: The Results Are In—Now What? New Modules 11 through 14 Available
Modules 11 through 14, available in Moodle , are new and focus on the Writing task types. These modules demonstrate how to use data to advance English language proficiency through high-leverage instructional sequences. Participants will use a protocol linking two of the more difficult ELPAC task types to robust classroom instruction that can be used to create ELPAC-like assessments in context. Video clips, student work, and reflections from the implementation of these practices with English learner students will be shared. Be sure to provide your feedback after each video.
Previous ELPAC Monthly Communications
Previous ELPAC monthly communications, as well as other email communications, can be found on the ELPAC Coordinator Emails web page.
Additional Help
- Direct questions about policies, regulations, and requirements to elpac@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.
Sincerely,
California Outreach Team
Contact Us: California Outreach web page