The DFAs have been revised so that they mainly include information for the day of testing and domain-specific instructions. The planning and preparation content has been removed and placed in a separate PFA document.
A PFA document is available for K–2 test administration, and another PFA is available for grades three through twelve test administration. It should be used to prepare for the administration and become familiar with testing guidelines. It is a nonsecure document and is posted on the Manuals and Instructions web page on the ELPAC website.
Refer to the Administering a Computer-based Test Session section of this manual for instructions on how to start a test session and for student logon instructions, as these have been removed from the DFAs, except for the Speaking domain. There is also a printable How to Start an ELPAC Test Session document available for printing and use during testing.
There are no longer separate DFAs for remote testing. Remote testing instructions have been embedded within the in-person testing DFAs.
Speaking Student Score Sheets for kindergarten and grades one and two have been added to the end of the appropriate grade-level or grade-span DFA aside from the score sheet that is in the K–2 Writing Answer Books.
Test Administration and Scoring Applications
THSS
In the 2023–24 test administration, ETS will release the updated THSS, used in the scoring of interim assessments and Initial ELPAC Writing domain responses. The new system features a number of enhancements that will enable communication and collaboration during scoring of tests, including a test/item notes area where educators can comment on a response before assigning the assessment to another scorer for action. The primary functionality of the new THSS remains similar to that of the existing system; however, the interface has been updated for a more modern feel from the dashboard to the scoring and related materials pages.
Training
Experienced LEA ELPAC coordinators who completed the Initial ELPAC LEA Certification course during the 2020–21, 2021–22, or 2022–23 school year do not have to complete certification again for 2023–24 but they must verify that their training requirement has been by logging on to the ELPAC Administration and Scoring Training website.
