ELPAC email update, December 6, 2023.

Dear LEA CAASPP Coordinator or LEA ELPAC Coordinator:

Now that the California Science Test (CAST) and ELPAC Interim Assessments are available, we want to clarify a few points based on feedback we have received from educators:

• The purpose of the state-provided interim assessments is to provide teachers and administrators with information they can use to support teaching and learning.
• Use of the interim assessments is optional and is not a required component of the statewide assessment system.
• Interim assessments can be administered to students at any grade level (i.e., kindergarten through grade twelve) at any time during the school year.
• EC Section 60642.7(b) prohibits the use of the interim assessments for any high-stakes purpose.
  • Examples of high-stakes use include teacher or other school staff evaluation, accountability, pupil grade promotion or retention, graduation, course or class placement, identification for Gifted and Talented Education, reclassification of English learners, or identification as an individual with exceptional needs.
• Interim assessments can be administered in a standardized or nonstandardized manner increasing their versatility. For additional information on nonstandardized uses, check out the following videos:
  • Introducing the CAST Interim Assessment webinar recording
    • CAST nonstandardized information begins at 31:33
  • Introducing the ELPAC Interim Assessment webinar recording
    • ELPAC nonstandardized information begins at 46:32

CAST and ELPAC Interim Assessment Results

Once an educator administers an interim assessment and completes any necessary hand scoring, they can find student results in the California Educator Reporting System (CERS). The following report features are available in CERS for these interim assessments:

• Individual and aggregate scores
• Achievement/performance levels
• Custom aggregate reports
• Key/distractor analysis for selected-response items

In late January 2024, CERS will display test items and student responses for the CAST and ELPAC Interim Assessments. In summer 2024, CERS will have Individual Student Reports for the CAST and ELPAC Interim Assessments. Additional information about the new interim assessments can be found in the October 24, 2023 email to educators .

Help Spread the Word

We need your help to spread the word about the state-offered interim assessments and the benefits they offer to educators. By sharing this information with educators, you empower them to enhance the learning experience and drive academic success. Please share information, the links to the webinar recordings, or any of the CAASPP Interim Assessment Resources or ELPAC Interim Assessment Resources.

Sincerely,

California Outreach Team

CAASPP website and ELPAC website

Contact us: California Outreach web page