ELPAC email update, February 26, 2024.

Dear LEA CAASPP Coordinator or LEA ELPAC Coordinator:

Starting with the 2023–24 test administration year, the test security audit process will change to a three-tiered process:

• Tier 1—Online Audit Survey
• Tier 2—Virtual Meeting
• Tier 3—In-person Visit

Tier 1

For Tier 1, about 200 schools and their respective LEAs will be selected at random to complete an audit survey that contains questions regarding staff training, classroom setup for assessments, storage of secure materials, and other assessment-related information.

LEA coordinators and site coordinators of the selected schools will receive an email with the audit survey information in early March.

Tier 2

For Tier 2, the CDE and ETS will review the responses to the audit surveys in Tier 1. If there are follow-up questions, a virtual meeting will be scheduled with the LEA. The purpose of this meeting is for the CDE and ETS to assist the LEA in ensuring that correct security protocols are being followed.

Tier 3

For Tier 3, an ETS staff member will visit the LEA or school site. A Tier 3 in-person visit may be initiated based on concerns identified during a Tier 2 virtual meeting, STAIRS cases where it is indicated that a school may have ongoing security issues, or security concerns reported to the CDE or ETS. The purpose of the in-person visit is to assist an LEA in ensuring that appropriate security protocols are in place or in determining changes that might be needed to meet security protocols.

LEAs not selected for a Tier 1 audit survey may be selected for a Tier 2 or Tier 3 meeting based on significant security concerns such as the number of STAIRS cases submitted, communications from the LEA, or security concerns reported to the CDE or ETS.

If it is determined that an LEA or school requires a Tier 2 or Tier 3 audit, the LEA coordinator(s) will be contacted. We hope you find this new process less intrusive while still supportive in maintaining the security and validity of assessments for all students.

Sincerely,

California Outreach Team

CAASPP website and ELPAC website

Contact Us: California Outreach web page