Questions and Answers for Educators

Will the California State Board of Education (SBE) pursue a waiver for testing?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The California State Board of Education discussed the option of pursuing a waiver from testing during the March 2021 SBE meeting. The SBE took the first step to give local educational agencies (LEAs) the option of using the statewide assessments or LEA-selected assessments for the 2020–21 school year. The CDE is awaiting information about a submission to the federal Department of Education at this time. For more information, please view the CDE COVID-19 Assessment FAQs web page.

If a local educational agency (LEA) has decided to administer assessments remotely, is the LEA also required to bring the students for in-person testing if students are unable to be tested remotely?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The mandate is to test all eligible students using one or more of the provided test administration options. If LEAs are unable to bring students to a test site for in-person testing, then the students will need to be tested remotely.

If parents or guardians refuse remote testing for a student, then in-person administration should be offered to the student while following the California Department of Public Health guidelines to ensure health and safety. If the student is unable to test because of technology issues, then the in-person testing option must be offered when it is safe to do so based on local and county health guidelines.

Can parents/guardians opt their child out of taking the ELPAC?
(Posted 04/01/21)

No. Students are required to be assessed annually by federal Title I and III laws, as the results from these tests determine services and determine whether a student is eligible for reclassification. One hundred percent of students are required to be assessed annually. There is no opt-out for the ELPAC.

If parents/guardians do not want their child to participate in remote testing, in-person testing is the only alternative. Students can be tested in person once it is determined to be safe to do so based on local and county health guidelines.

Are local educational agencies (LEAs) required to tell families they can opt their child out of the CAASPP?
(Posted 04/01/21)

No. LEAs are not required to inform parents/guardians about testing exemptions, but they are required to inform interested parents/guardians about the process to opt their child out of one of the CAASPP assessments.

What video permissions test setting will students who enroll after January 12, 2021, have in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS)?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Students who enrolled in a local educational agency (LEA) and who are entirely new to the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System will be set to "No" in TOMS for remote testing. Students who transfer from another LEA in California are already defaulted to "Yes."

When are students able to turn off their video cameras during testing? What should test administrators and examiners do if a student's webcam is turned off?
(Posted 04/01/21)

During practice and training tests and interim assessments, the camera is not required and can be turned on and off by the student. For summative assessments, students will not be able to turn off their camera. If a student were to purposely cover the camera during testing, the test administrator or examiner should pause the student's test.

Can test administrators or examiners use the "Upcoming-Sessions" feature to schedule a test to be administered on the same day or should it be used only for future days?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Use the "Upcoming Sessions" feature for same-day testing. However, when the session is scheduled for the same day, the test administrator or examiner will find the test in the [Active Session] tab and not the [Scheduled Session] tab.

What happens to the testing session for students who lose an internet connection during the test?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The student will be logged off the test but student's progress will be saved up to the point where the internet connection was lost. When the student logs back on to the test, the student will be brought back to the last page with an unanswered question.

What happens to the testing session for students if the test administrator or examiner loses an internet connection?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The students' tests will be paused between 30 seconds and two minutes after the system recognizes the connection with the Test Administrator Interface has been lost.

If a local educational agency (LEA) submits a Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS) case that is approved as an Irregularity flag, does the student need to retake that test or domain?
(Posted 04/01/21)

No. The Irregularity Flag simply flags the student's test and does not require a retake. Only the Reset Appeal can lead to a situation in which a student retakes a test.

What happens to student scores if the student does not finish the test?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Because the minimum scoring thresholds have not been changed, a student must complete at least 10 computer adaptive test items and at least 1 performance task PT item to receive a score for a Smarter Balanced content-area summative assessment. Students who log on to both parts of a content-area assessment are counted as participated.

How do students qualify for the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD) without CAASPP score(s)?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The State Board of Education–designated GSSMD eligibility requirements allow for a grade of B+ or above in a single course in grade nine, ten, or eleven in English language arts, mathematics, or science when CAASPP scores are not available. For more information, visit the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma web page.

Are local educational agencies (LEAs) required to participate in second scoring for the California Alternate Assessment (CAA)?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The second scoring requirement for the CAA for English language arts/literacy (ELA) has been suspended for the 2020–21 administration, which means that LEAs selected for second scoring are no longer required to perform any of the activities associated with second scoring. Second scoring for the CAA for ELA is now expected to begin during the 2021–22 administration.

Will the ELPAC be part of the accountability motions that were passed at the State Board of Education (SBE) meeting in March 2021?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Yes. The SBE requested permission from the US Department of Education to extend the testing window for both the CAASPP and ELPAC and decouple the state assessments from the state accountability system for 2020–21. The ELPAC is included in the state assessments. This request still needs to be developed, submitted, and approved by the US Department of Education.

What happens if local educational agencies are unable to test 100 percent of their students within the testing window?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Students who are not tested at the end of the ELPAC testing window will not be counted. All English learner students must be tested during the Summative ELPAC testing window. All students with an English Language Acquisition Status of To Be Determined must be administered the Initial ELPAC within the Initial ELPAC testing window.

Why are summative assessments important?

• Summative assessments are critical, now more than ever, to providing administrators and teachers with high-quality student and school achievement data to track potential learning loss and to inform teaching and learning.
• Statewide summative assessments are an essential component of an equitable, valid, and balanced assessment system, especially amid the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. They provide actionable data for improvements and targeting supports to students most in need.
• Statewide summative assessments shed light on the progress of students who are disproportionately impacted by school closures, including those students who are English learners, minorities, and low income, and students with disabilities.
• Statewide summative assessments are required under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act to help provide a uniform measure of student achievement.

Will the California State Board of Education (SBE) pursue a waiver for testing?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The California State Board of Education discussed the option of pursuing a waiver from testing during the March 2021 SBE meeting. The SBE took the first step to give local educational agencies (LEAs) the option of using the statewide assessments or LEA-selected assessments for the 2020–21 school year. The CDE is awaiting information about a submission to the federal Department of Education at this time. For more information, please view the CDE COVID-19 Assessment FAQs web page.

If a local educational agency (LEA) has decided to administer assessments remotely, is the LEA also required to bring the students for in-person testing if students are unable to be tested remotely?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The mandate is to test all eligible students using one or more of the provided test administration options. If LEAs are unable to bring students to a test site for in-person testing, then the students will need to be tested remotely.

If parents or guardians refuse remote testing for a student, then in-person administration should be offered to the student while following the California Department of Public Health guidelines to ensure health and safety. If the student is unable to test because of technology issues, then the in-person testing option must be offered when it is safe to do so based on local and county health guidelines.

How should local educational agencies (LEAs) notify parents/guardians of testing?

A notification in the Parent/Guardian Handbook is sufficient if the LEA is conducting in-person testing. If testing remotely, an additional notification letter will need to be sent via mail or electronically; this notification specifies that video monitoring will be used during testing. A notification letter template is now available on the Parent/Guardian Notification web page, and the LEA will not require consent, permission, or a signature.

What information is in the Statewide Testing Notification letter?

The sample letters on the Notice of Assessments Administration web page include information about statewide testing for parents/guardians and do not include information about remote testing. The notification letter that includes information about remote testing can be found on the Parent/Guardian Notification web page. Local educational agencies may use both sample letters to create one that best suits local needs.

Do local educational agencies (LEAs) need parent/guardian consent to test students remotely?

No. LEAs will not be required to collect or track parent/guardian signatures for remote testing. LEAs only need to notify parents/guardians of the requirements for remote testing. Parents/Guardians retain the right to opt a child out of assessments. The choice to opt out is made by assessment; however, parents/guardians cannot opt a child out of the ELPAC.

Can parents/guardians opt their child out of taking the ELPAC?
(Posted 04/01/21)

No. Students are required to be assessed annually by federal Title I and III laws, as the results from these tests determine services and determine whether a student is eligible for reclassification. One hundred percent of students are required to be assessed annually. There is no opt-out for the ELPAC.

If parents/guardians do not want their child to participate in remote testing, in-person testing is the only alternative. Students can be tested in person once it is determined to be safe to do so based on local and county health guidelines.

Will local educational agencies need a "wet" signature (rather than a digital signature) from parents/guardians who want to opt their child out of an assessment?

No. The California Education Code does not specify a signature, only that it is a written request. This is applicable only to the CAASPP. Parents/Guardians cannot opt their child out of the ELPAC.

Are local educational agencies (LEAs) required to notify parents/guardians that they have the option not to consent to the remote testing?

Yes. The notification must include information on what other test administration options are available if parents/guardians do not want their child to have the camera and speakers on during the remote administration. LEAs should provide these parents/guardians with an LEA contact who can help determine another way to administer the test to the child—for example, in-person test administration—when it can be done safely following state, county, and local health and safety requirements. Please refer to the sample Parent/Guardian Notification letter on the Spring Administration Information for Educators website.

Can parents/guardians refuse to have their child test?

While parents/guardians cannot excuse their child from the ELPAC, per Section 60615 of the California Education Code (EC), parents/guardians retain the right to excuse their child from the CAASPP through a written request.

EC Section 60615 states about the CAASPP: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a parent's or guardian's written request to school officials to excuse his or her child from any or all parts of the assessments administered pursuant to this chapter shall be granted."

Are local educational agencies (LEAs) required to tell families they can opt their child out of the CAASPP?
(Posted 04/01/21)

No. LEAs are not required to inform parents/guardians about testing exemptions, but they are required to inform interested parents/guardians about the process to opt their child out of one of the CAASPP assessments.

If a parent/guardian does not give permission to use video monitoring for remote testing, is that the same as an opt-out waiver?

No. If local educational agencies are administering remote tests, they need to notify parents/guardians of the requirements for remote testing. This notification serves as a form of consent. A template of the notification letter is available on the Parent/Guardian Notification web page of the Spring Administration Information for Educators website.

Parents/Guardians still retain the right to opt a child out of the CAASPP should they wish, but they cannot opt out of the ELPAC. Parents/Guardians will need to make arrangements for in-person testing if they wish to opt a child out of remote testing for the ELPAC.

If a parent/guardian does not give video permission and does not allow for in-person testing, how should a local educational agency (LEA) proceed?

The only option for testing students who do not have a camera or parent/guardian permission to use video is in-person testing. If COVID-19 restrictions prevent the LEA from conducting in-person testing, this should be documented by the LEA in either the student information system or the student's cumulative record.

Do medical exemptions count against the participation rate as well as the parent/guardian exemption requests?

No. Per the 2019 California Dashboard Technical Guide, students who are not tested due to medical emergencies are not part of the denominator of the calculation of the participation rate. Page 45 of the guide indicates that "Students who are absent from testing due to a significant medical emergency...are excluded from calculations for the participation rate."

What are the guidelines for in-person test administration?

For recommendations on how LEAs can administer assessments with physical distancing requirements, view Suggested Guidelines for Physically Distancing Test Administration.

How do I change the video permission test setting for a student?

The default for the Remote Testing Video Permission setting in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) is "Yes" for all students enrolled in the local educational agency (LEA) as of January 12, 2021. Any new students who are entered into the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System after January 12, 2021, will default to "No" for the Remote Testing Video Permission setting in TOMS; coordinators will need to change that setting to "Yes" if the student will be tested remotely. A student's Remote Testing Video Permission settings are retained if the student moves to a different school or LEA.

What video permissions test setting will students who enroll after January 12, 2021, have in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS)?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Students who enrolled in a local educational agency (LEA) and who are entirely new to the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System will be set to "No" in TOMS for remote testing. Students who transfer from another LEA in California are already defaulted to "Yes."

What should test administrators or examiners do if the student has the video camera on but the screen is tilted up, showing the student's forehead or ceiling?

If this occurs, the test administrator or examiner should communicate to the student to move the device so the camera is facing the student. If the student refuses to adjust the camera appropriately or if the student blocks the camera, the test administrator or examiner can pause the test and have the student complete the test at another time.

Can educators test the video widget prior to testing day?

Educators can test that the communication widget works using an interim assessment or practice test with students.

Will a recent upload of student test settings override the last student test settings upload into TOMS?

Yes. When uploading student test settings in a batch file, a new update file will only overwrite existing test settings for students who are included in the file. Any students whose test settings were updated previously can be removed from the file if they no longer require new or additional settings.

If a student requires additional settings that were not included in the original upload, they must have all settings from the original upload reset at the same time as the new settings, or the system will overwrite these previous settings.

How do I know which students can be administered the test remotely?

The LEA and School-Level Test Assignment Report includes the students' remote testing video permission setting. This will help coordinators determine which students should have this setting turned on.

Where can the link to the web-based browser be found?

The Web-based Student Testing Interface link is in the "Helpful Links" section of the Spring Administration Information for Educators landing page.

If a student has the remote video permission test setting, can the student be administered an in-person test?

Yes. All students with the remote test setting can be administered a remote or in-person test. The only reason that a student's video permission setting would need to be changed to "No" is if the parent/guardian will not allow the student to use video.

Test administrators and examiners designate whether a session is remote or in-person within the test delivery system by selecting a radio button in the Test Administrator Interface.

Can students use their own devices at home?

Students may use personal devices at home, with the exception of a personal Chromebook, which cannot be used for remote testing. Devices must have a working camera, microphone, and a speaker or a set of headphones.

What does the test administration process look like for students, parents/guardians, and teachers?

View the "How to Take a Remote Test" video that is available in English and Spanish on the Videos and Quick Reference Guides web page on the Spring Administration Information for Parents/Guardians website for an example from the student perspective; and the How to Give a Remote Test video for an example from the teacher perspective.

Can we still test over multiple sessions?

Yes. Testing and pausing will work the same way as it did in past assessments.

What if a student's computer does not have a camera? Will the student still be allowed to take the test?

No. The student will not be able to take CAASPP summative assessments or the Summative or Initial ELPAC remotely if the student does not have a camera. However, the student can take Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments remotely, as these do not require video monitoring.

If administering the tests remotely, will the monitoring video be recorded or stored in any way by the California Department of Education or affiliated vendors?

No. Video, chat, or any communication during remote testing is not recorded.

How can I provide students with their Statewide Student Identifiers (SSIDs) for testing?

Please view the Statewide Student Identifiers (SSIDs) web page for acceptable ways to provide students with their SSIDs. Please note that email is not a secure method for providing SSIDs.

Will students be logging on with their Statewide Student Identifiers (SSIDs) and preferred name?

Yes. Students will log on to the test with their preferred name, if one was supplied. Otherwise, students should log on with their birth name. Local educational agencies should ensure that each student's preferred name is entered correctly into the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System so as to appear in the Test Operations Management System at least 48 hours prior to testing.

Do the practice tests match the summative assessments in length, difficulty, and functionality? What about the training tests?

The practice tests match the summative assessments in length. They can be used to help assess some of the standards and students' understanding of certain concepts.

The training tests are designed to assist students in becoming familiar with the available tools and how to take the assessment. They provide functions similar to the summative assessments, but they do not match the actual assessments in length or difficulty.

Can the practice and training tests be used to simulate the actual assessments our students will be taking remotely?

Yes. Using the practice and training tests to familiarize students with the remote widgets is recommended. Test sessions must be launched from the Test Administrator Interface and students must use their actual Statewide Student Identifiers to access all remote functionality.

Can we get access to student answers to particular questions? Or at least which questions they missed?

No. Test questions are not released, to ensure test security. As in past administrations, students will be given an overall score. Specific information about questions missed or incorrect answers will not be provided.

What instructions will there be to install the secure browser?

There are resources and instructions on how to download the secure browser on a Windows device and Mac devices. Those resources are available in both English and Spanish on the Spring Administration Information for Parents/Guardians website by first selecting the "Download the Secure Browser" topic in the left navigation pane. These topics include written instructions and videos.

Will the secure browser conflict with Zoom if Zoom is left running in the background?

Yes. For the secure browser to work, additional applications cannot be running. All logon information should be communicated to students prior to their opening the secure browser. A video, audio, and chat feature have been added to the test delivery system to allow the student and test administrator or examiner to communicate during the test session.

Can two test administrators or examiners view the same students and test session at the same time?

No. The system only permits one test administrator or examiner per test session. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended that there be no more than 20 students in a testing session.

Will the secure browser work on Chromebooks that are not managed by local educational agencies?

No. However, ETS is actively pursuing a solution with Google.

Can students take summative assessments on an iPad or a Mac?

Yes. The secure browser is supported on these devices. Please check the Browsers for Testing web page to verify that the operating system is compatible with the secure browser.

Do students need a keyboard and mouse when testing using iPads?

No. Students can use the iPad itself, without peripheral input devices, to complete the test.

Is it correct that local educational agency (LEA)-managed Chromebooks do not need to be brought in for the secure browser to be installed?

Yes. Updates to LEA-managed Chromebooks will happen as soon as the device is connected to the internet; the student does not need to bring the device back to the LEA for the secure browser to be updated.

Do test administrators and examiners need the secure browser installed on their devices?

No. Only student devices need to have the secure browser installed.

Will there be a hardware test that students with personal devices can use so that they are sure that their device meets minimum requirements?

No. There is no hardware test. The hardware requirements are the same as in previous years. Students can use a personal device for remote testing if they have downloaded the secure browser. Videos and quick reference guides are being produced to demonstrate how to download the secure browser for parents/guardians and students.

During the test, will students be visible to each other via the built-in video system?

No. Students will not be visible to each other during a test session. Only the test administrator or examiner will be able to view all students and will know which students are in the testing session.

Does GoGuardian work with ELPAC and CAASPP testing?

No. Because of the requirements of the secure browser, GoGuardian will not work with ELPAC or CAASPP testing.

What are the recommendations for testing that is interrupted because of internet issues?

If testing is interrupted in a way that disables video monitoring, the student's test will be paused, and the student will be redirected to the logon page.

For incarcerated students, privacy law will not allow recording. Will these schools be unable to test remotely because recording is required?

The video is not recorded during testing; it is delivered via a live feed during testing that is not preserved or stored. If the video is not monitored or available, the only option for these students is in-person testing.

When are students able to turn off their video cameras during testing? What should test administrators and examiners do if a student's webcam is turned off?
(Posted 04/01/21)

During practice and training tests and interim assessments, the camera is not required and can be turned on and off by the student. For summative assessments, students will not be able to turn off their camera. If a student were to purposely cover the camera during testing, the test administrator or examiner should pause the student's test.

Can local educational agencies (LEAs) or schools select only one mode of administration for spring testing?

It is recommended that LEAs offer the in-person or co-located administration option, or the remote computer-based administration option, to meet the needs of the families the LEAs serves. For the ELPAC, LEAs or schools should offer parents both administration options to make every effort to assess these students within the window when it is safe to do so (if the in-person option was selected), since there is no opt-out for the ELPAC.

Can LEAs make adjustments to their CAASPP testing window?

Yes. LEA CAASPP coordinators can adjust a selected testing window by contacting the California Technical Assistance Center, by email at caltac@ets.org or by phone at 800-955-2954.

What are the requirements for serving as a CAASPP test administrator or test examiner?

"Test administrator" is an employee or contractor of a local educational agency (LEA) or nonpublic, nonsectarian school (NPS) who has electronically agreed to a CAASPP Test Security Affidavit and has received training to administer the CAASPP achievement tests.

"Test examiner" is an employee or contractor of an LEA or NPS who has electronically agreed to a CAASPP Test Security Affidavit and has received training to administer any content area of the California Alternate Assessment (CAA). A test examiner must be a certificated or licensed LEA staff member who must complete the CAA test examiner tutorial to administer the CAA.

What are the requirements for serving as an ELPAC test examiner?

"ELPAC test examiner" is an employee or contractor of a local educational agency (LEA) or nonpublic, nonsectarian school (NPS) who has electronically agreed to an ELPAC Test Security Affidavit; is proficient in English and has complete command of pronunciation, intonation, and fluency; and certifies completion of training in the administration of the ELPAC. Test examiners must complete training in the Moodle Training Site before administering the ELPAC.

What is the recommended group size for remote testing?

For both the CAASPP and the ELPAC, the recommended limit is no more than 20 students, to ensure that the test session can be managed by the test administrator or examiner. This recommendation is based upon the number of students that the test administrator or examiner can adequately monitor.

ELPAC regulations specify that no more than 20 students can be administered the test at the same time by one test examiner. Because only one adult can be present in the remote testing context, a maximum of 20 students can be assessed remotely in a given test session.

What is the recommended group size for in-person test administration?

In-person testing should be conducted separately from remote testing. The group size for in-person testing depends on the local health and safety guidelines for the local educational agency.

We know where the teachers go to assign the tests, but where do the students go to log on to the test?

The secure browser remains the starting point for students who are beginning a test, whether the test is administered in person or remotely.

Does the student video feed turn on automatically for remote testing or do students have to turn their video on themselves?

After a student logs on to the test, the student will be presented with a series of system checks, one of which includes allowing the system to access the camera. Once checked, the test administrator or examiner will be able to view the student's video feed. If the video feed is lost, the student will be redirected to the logon page. If a student were to purposely cover the camera during testing, the test administrator or examiner should pause the student's test.

Do teachers and test administrators or examiners need Google Meet or Zoom now that there are video monitoring and links to test sessions?

No. These video meeting applications can be used only prior to launching the secure browser to communicate session IDs and Statewide Student Identifiers to students. The secure browser will not allow any other meeting software to run on a student's device. Those types of meeting applications can be used only for administration of all kindergarten through grade two ELPAC domains and grade three through grade twelve of the ELPAC Speaking domain, which is administered through the web-based student testing interface.

How do students receive the Directions for Administration during a remote session?

Addendums have been created that will direct test administrators or examiners to have students all start in a virtual meeting room, such as Zoom or Google Meet, prior to starting any test session. Review all of the "SAY" directions as necessary and then send students to the secure browser to open the test session.

It is recommended that test administrators and examiners view the How to Take a Remote Test video and practice with students so the students know what will be expected and to confirm that the technology is working as intended. Practice tests can be set up in the same manner as the operational tests, which will allow test administrators or examiners to review all of the steps in preparation of the real testing.

Are the ELPAC Directions for Administration (DFA) addendums considered secure? Can they be sent to staff as "shared-files"?

Yes. DFAs are considered secure materials. Because these materials are secure, if they are sent as shared files, it must be done in as secure a manner as possible. These files must be deleted from the device or folder location after they are shared.

How do test administrators or examiners provide students with the link to the test session?

Students will need their Student Statewide Identifiers (SSIDs) and test session IDs to log on to the test on the secure browser. Test administrators and examiners should work with their technical coordinator or school administrator to ensure that all students have access to the secure browser prior to testing; and work with a school administrator to make sure students who are testing will have their SSIDs—distribution of SSIDs is a local decision. Test administrators and examiners can communicate the test session ID through Zoom, Google Meet, etc., just prior to testing.

Before beginning, students will need to log off all applications before opening the secure browser and starting the test. It is suggested that at least two practice test sessions are held to ensure that all students know the process for logging on to test.

Can the test session ID be emailed to student?

Yes. The test session ID is not secure, so it can be emailed to the student. Prior to starting an assessment, it is good practice to meet with students in Zoom to prepare them for testing and provide them with the session ID.

For how long is the test session ID active?

The test session ID will remain active until the test session is stopped by the test administrator or examiner, or the scheduled date has passed. This allows test session IDs to be provided to students in advance of testing. (Local educational agencies can now schedule a test session in advance.)

How long will a test session remain open?

The test session will remain active during the entire period it was scheduled (a test session can run over multiple days). Test examiners can rejoin the test session and resume testing within that scheduled period after any breaks or pauses. If the test session is not being used actively, the session will be paused—the 20-minute pause rule still applies.

Can test administrators or examiners use the "Upcoming-Sessions" feature to schedule a test to be administered on the same day or should it be used only for future days?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Use the "Upcoming Sessions" feature for same-day testing. However, when the session is scheduled for the same day, the test administrator or examiner will find the test in the [Active Session] tab and not the [Scheduled Session] tab.

Can we test more students in a day since the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments are shorter?

Yes. However, to monitor students and address any questions that might arise, the recommendation is to test a maximum of 20 students per session.

Can we test both in person and remotely or do we have to choose one or the other?

The test administrator or examiner chooses the mode of administration when launching the test session. A student who is set in the Test Operations Management System for remote testing has the option to test using either method. If a student begins a test remotely, the student should complete the test remotely, and vice versa.

Will users be able to schedule both remote and in-person test sessions on the same day?

Yes. Users who have access to administer a test remotely will be allowed to administer both remote and in-person test sessions. Access to remote test administration is the default. If a user has remote test administration deactivated, the user will only be able to administer in-person test sessions. Both sessions can take place on the same day but not at the same time, to alleviate the stress of monitoring both types of administration at once.

Can students take some portions of a test remotely and other parts in person?

Yes. As long as the video permission setting is set to "Yes," students may be administered various tests either remotely or in-person. For example, for Smarter Balanced, students can take the English language arts/literacy (ELA) computer adaptive test (CAT) in person and the mathematics CAT remotely. The selection of remote or in-person testing is specific at the time the test session is scheduled.

It is recommended that a student start and finish a particular test using the same type of administration—if a student started the ELA CAT in person, for example, the student should complete the test in-person.

If a parent/guardian wants a child to be administered the ELPAC remotely but the CAASPP only in person, would that be possible?

Yes. Remote testing is a setting at the local educational agency, school, or test administrator or examiner level. It is the video permission setting that is available at the student level. If a parent/guardian wants the student to be tested remotely for one and in person for the other, the test administrator or examiner will not need to change the student's settings in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) as long as the student's video permission remains set to "Yes" in TOMS. Remote or in-person testing is specified at the time the testing session is scheduled.

If we have remote selected and then the local educational agency (LEA) decides to test in person, do we need to switch it all?

No. LEAs do not need to change the remote testing flag if testing in person becomes necessary. The flag only needs to be changed to "No" if the LEA does not want a specific student, administrator, or school site to administer tests remotely.

If a test is paused by the teacher (i.e., a scheduled short break), what is the best way to communicate with students about a time to log back on?

Because broadcast messaging will not work when tests are paused, it is recommended that a test administrator or examiner send a broadcast message prior to the break, to communicate to students the time to return. It would also be helpful to use a practice or training test to help students become familiar with the process used for summative testing.

If test administrators or examiners need a break during the test session, can they pause the test?

Yes. As with in-person testing, a test administrator or examiner may not leave the testing environment unmonitored while students are testing. Instead, the test administrator or examiner should pause the test before stepping away from the session.

Can a parent or guardian act as a test administrator or examiner (or second scorer or test examiner aide) in place of the child's teacher?

No. State regulations declare that parents and guardians cannot be involved with the child's testing.

Are there any special considerations for students who are testing remotely from out of the state or out of the country?

No. There are no restrictions on the location of the student for testing or special considerations to be made as long as the student has downloaded the secure browser.

How can we monitor students testing remotely if their internet connections are constantly compromised?

Test administrators or examiners may have difficulty remote-testing students who have internet bandwidth issues. If this occurs and test administrators or examiners are unable to administer in-person testing, they can document their attempts to test these students in either the student information system or the student's cumulative record.

What happens to the testing session for students who lose an internet connection during the test?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The student will be logged off the test but student's progress will be saved up to the point where the internet connection was lost. When the student logs back on to the test, the student will be brought back to the last page with an unanswered question.

What happens to the testing session for students if the test administrator or examiner loses an internet connection?
(Posted 04/01/21)

The students' tests will be paused between 30 seconds and two minutes after the system recognizes the connection with the Test Administrator Interface has been lost.

Do we expect any changes to the current expiration rules for tests?

No. There are no changes to the current expiration rules for tests expected. If a test expires and students require more time, the LEA or site coordinator should submit a Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System case to file a Re-open Appeal.

If a teacher is in the Test Operations Management System as a test administrator or examiner in schools A and B, can the teacher test a student from school A and a student from school B during the same test session?

No. Because a test session is created for a particular school site, the test administrator or examiner must open two different test sessions using two web browser tabs to test students enrolled in different schools at the same time. However, a test administrator or examiner is advised to use a large monitor to split the screen so as to view the students in each test session using two different tabs in the web browser.

Will CAASPP and ELPAC assessments be administered on adjusted forms?

The CAASPP Smarter Balanced for English language arts/literacy and mathematics are the only assessments that use adjusted forms in 2020–21. All other CAASPP and ELPAC assessments will remain the same length as in past administrations.

Will assessments other than the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment also have a delayed start date?

No. At this time, all other assessments will be released as scheduled. Refer to the CAASPP and ELPAC: Required Assessments by Content and Grade section of the Spring Administration Information for Educators for more information.

If a local educational agency (LEA) submits a Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS) case that is approved as an Irregularity flag, does the student need to retake that test or domain?
(Posted 04/01/21)

No. The Irregularity Flag simply flags the student's test and does not require a retake. Only the Reset Appeal can lead to a situation in which a student retakes a test.

Will test administrators and examiners be held to all of the items on the test security affidavits?

No. Test administrators and examiners will not be held accountable for issues outside of their control.

Will information be forthcoming on what constitutes an impropriety, irregularity, and breach under remote testing?

No. The various testing incidents remain unchanged; these are defined in the Testing Incident Definitions topic of the CAASPP and ELPAC Security Incidents and Appeals Procedure Guide.

To the best of their ability, test administrators and examiners should ensure that each test is administered in a safe and valid manner.

How will security breaches be handled in remote testing?

The process for handling security breaches, through the Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System, is the same whether students are tested remotely or in person. Test administrators and examiners should report incidents to site coordinators; site coordinators should report to LEA coordinators, as needed.

How do we ensure scratch paper is securely destroyed if we are administering the exams remotely?

For computer adaptive testing, test administrators and examiners should direct students to tear up scratch paper at the end of the test session while on camera.

For performance tasks, students can maintain scratch paper over multiple days. Test administrators and examiners should direct students to tear up the scratch paper while on camera once the performance task has been completed.

Will the security affidavit be modified so that it includes in-person and remote testing?

The current security affidavits that users agreed to upon first logon to the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) will remain as is, per Title 5, Division 1 of the California Code of Regulations (Chapter 2, Subchapter 3.75, Article 2, Section 859 for the CAASPP; and Chapter 11, Subchapter 7.6, Article 5, Section 11518.50 for the ELPAC). An information addendum will provide some assurances to test administrators and examiners about signing the affidavit. The information addendum will not be available in TOMS, but is posted on the Spring Administration for Educators web page.

When will the new security affidavit be available?

The security affidavits are part of Title 5, Division 1 of the California Code of Regulations (Chapter 2, Subchapter 3.75, Article 2, Section 859 for the CAASPP; and Chapter 11, Subchapter 7.6, Article 5, Section 11518.50 for the ELPAC) and will not change. The CAASPP and ELPAC still require separate affidavits.

There is one affidavit for both in-person and remote testing. The affidavit for remote testing is available as part of the Spring Administration Information for Educators. The standard security affidavit is presented when the teacher is added as a user in the Test Operations Management System; the teacher will automatically be prompted to agree to the test security affidavit upon first logon.

As always, test administrators and examiners are expected to work within their environment to maintain test security and validity. It is understood that there is a limit to what a test administrator or examiner can monitor remotely.

In the classroom, instructional resources need to be removed from walls. How can local educational agencies, test administrators, and test examiners ensure that educational resources are not posted in students' surroundings?

Educating parents/guardians is the best preventative measure. Letting parents/guardians know that their child's completing testing independently, without any outside assistance, provides the best picture of what the child knows and can do, and helps educators understand where the child may need additional support.

Another measure would be to schedule a Zoom meeting with students prior to logging on to the test, allowing teachers to virtually scan each student's surroundings and test space to ensure that it is a suitable testing environment.

Would local educational agencies (LEAs) need to file a Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS) case if other individuals are in the same room as a student testing, thus having access to the test items?
(Posted 04/01/21)

A STAIRS case should be submitted in the event where the LEA, test administrator, or test examiner is able to establish that another person could be helping the student to take the test such that it might affect the student's responses. This is a test security breach and should be submitted under the testing incident type "Validity Issue." If another person is in the room but is not interacting with the test or helping the student, a STAIRS report is not required.

Would local educational agencies (LEAs) need to file a Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS) case if a student loses connection with the internet during testing?

No. If a student loses connection with the internet during testing but returns to the assessment without the assessment's being affected, a STAIRS report is not required.

Would local educational agencies (LEAs) need to file a Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS) case if a test administrator or examiner loses the student's video feed?

No. If the test administrator or examiner loses the student's video feed during testing, the test administrator or examiner should pause the student's test and have the student log on again. If the video does not return, testing for that student should stop for the day. A STAIRS report is not required.

Please keep in mind that students cannot turn their camera on or off during tests where video is required. If the test administrator or examiner loses video during the test, it is not because the student turned a camera off—the student is likely unaware that there is no longer video monitoring.

Are test administrators or examiners permitted to call the student by phone before the logon process?

Yes. Test administrators or examiners are permitted to call a student on a cell phone to talk the student through the logon process. Once on video in the test delivery system, the test administrator or examiner should direct the student to hold up the phone, turn it off, and then put it away.

What is the time limit for submitting a Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS) case?

It is highly recommended that an appropriate STAIRS case is submitted within 24 hours of the testing incident. In the event of an ongoing investigation at the local educational agency site, it is advised that comments be added using the "Notes" section of that STAIRS case.

STAIRS cases should be submitted before the end of the testing window. If the incident requires a Re-open Appeal, please submit the case at least one week prior to the close of the testing window, to give the student time to retest.

How should a local educational agency (LEA) administer a remote test to a student with the designated supports or accommodations the student would need in person, such as print-on-demand?

An LEA should administer assessments according to a student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan. The California Department of Education recommends that a student be tested in person if the IEP or Section 504 plan lists an accessibility resource that cannot be administered remotely. For example, if a student's IEP lists print-on-demand, the LEA should test the student in person, following local and county health guidelines.

How can an LEA provide non-embedded accommodations to a student testing remotely?

At this time, non-embedded accommodations (scribe, read aloud, print-on-demand, etc.) are available only during an in-person test administration.

How can a local educational agency provide the simplified test directions designated support to a student testing remotely?

For a student in grades three through twelve, the test administrator or examiner can use the remote widget to place a video call to the student. The simplified test directions can be presented to the student using this widget. A student requiring this designated support should be tested in a one-on-one setting.

How can a local educational agency (LEA) provide the speech-to-text accommodation to a student testing remotely? What would be required to access this?

Speech-to-text is available remotely only if the student has the speech-to-text software on the testing device. An LEA can test a student's current speech-to-text software using a practice test.

Are we required to provide a dictionary and thesaurus to students taking an English language arts/literacy performance task remotely?

The dictionary and thesaurus are embedded universal tools. If a student requires one or both of these resources in a non-embedded format, provision of materials should be arranged prior to testing day.

Where can we locate the documents that show accessibility resources grouped in graphics?

Accessibility graphics can be found in the "2020–21 California Student Assessment Accessibility Documents" section of the California Department of Education Student Accessibility Resources web page.

When will the 2020–2021 CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Guide for Online Testing be available?

The CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Guide for Online Testing is now available. It has been reformatted as a web-based manual.

What features are in place for a student who reads slowly or who cannot read well enough to read the communication blasts from the test administrator or examiner?

The chat and the broadcast functionalities of the remote testing interface can be played as audio. A broadcast message will automatically play out loud for all students in the testing session. A chat to an individual student can be played out loud if the student selects the [Play] button next to the message.

How do we determine accommodations for students? How do we restore the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 plan indicator in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) to "Yes"?

Accommodations are determined by a student's individualized education program or Section 504 plan team. The IDEA or Section 504 plan indicator is adjusted in the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System and synced in TOMS.

How do we know that a student is not using an unlisted resource that changes the construct without permission, such as a calculator?

Test administrators or examiners will monitor students by using a video feed. They will watch these video feeds to try to ensure, as best they can, that a student does not use an unauthorized device or materials.

How do we know that a student is not using a non-embedded designated support or accommodation without permission?

Test administrators or examiners will monitor students by using a video feed. They will watch these video feeds to try to ensure, as best they can, that a student does not use an unauthorized device or materials.

Will the results of an adjusted Smarter Balanced test form affect school or local educational agency (LEA) funding?

No. The adjusted Smarter Balanced test form will not affect school or LEA funding.

Will there be Student Score Reports (SSRs) for the CAASPP and the ELPAC?

Yes. All SSRs remain the same, with the exception of SSRs that include the Smarter Balanced English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics—claim scores will not be reported for ELA or mathematics on these SSRs.

When will LEAs receive the results from the assessments?

CAASPP and Summative ELPAC results will not be released until a statewide quality check has been completed in the late spring. After the quality check is complete, the summative test results will be released on a weekly basis.

What happens to student scores if the student does not finish the test?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Because the minimum scoring thresholds have not been changed, a student must complete at least 10 computer adaptive test items and at least 1 performance task PT item to receive a score for a Smarter Balanced content-area summative assessment. Students who log on to both parts of a content-area assessment are counted as participated.

Does the CAASPP minimum 25-day testing window apply to individual schools or the local educational agency (LEA)?

Both. Each school site must be allotted a minimum of 25 testing days. This should be calculated to start once 66 percent of the school site's instructional calendar year has been completed. In most cases, the LEA window is longer than school windows.

This testing window still applies with the administration of remote testing for the CAASPP this year.

What assessments are administered to grade levels eleven and twelve for the 2020–2021 administration?

Students who are currently in grade eleven are administered the Smarter Balanced English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics assessments. Students who did not test last year (2019–2020) in grade eleven are neither required nor able to take the ELA or mathematics assessments in grade twelve.

Students who are currently in grade twelve must take the California Science Test or the California Alternate Assessment for Science if they did not complete a science test in either grade ten or eleven.

Are there revised blueprints available for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics, now that testing times have been adjusted?

Yes. Adjusted form blueprints are available on the Smarter Balanced Test Blueprints web page; refer to the Mathematics Adjusted Form Summative Blueprint and the ELA Adjusted Form Summative Blueprint.

For the Smarter Balanced English language arts/literacy and mathematics assessments, is it possible to test more than 20 students at a time?

Yes. It is possible to test more than 20 students at a time. For the CAASPP, 20 is the recommended number to help ensure test security and manageability for the test administrator.

Will the Smarter Balanced English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics scores continue to be used for California State University (CSU) placement?

Yes. Although the California Department of Education is adopting an adjusted Smarter Balanced ELA and mathematics form, the CSU will continue to use these results to help determine students' placement in English and mathematics courses. Smarter Balanced ELA and mathematics scores continue to be one of the first measures that the CSU will consider when determining placement for these courses. For additional information on the variety of CSU multiple measures pathways, please visit the CSU's Multiple Measures web page.

How do students qualify for the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (GSSMD) without CAASPP score(s)?

The State Board of Education–designated GSSMD eligibility requirements allow for a grade of B+ or above in a single course in grade nine, ten, or eleven in English language arts, mathematics, or science when CAASPP scores are not available. For more information, visit the Golden State Seal Merit Diploma web page.

How does the adjusted Smarter Balanced English language arts/literacy and mathematics form affect the claims and targets that are being addressed?

Due to fewer items within each claim, individual claim scores will not be reported; however, aggregate claim results will be available for groups of 30 or more students. Target reports will not be available with the adjusted form.

Will Smarter Balanced claim scores be available for groups?

Yes. Claim scores will be available on the California Department of Education's public web reporting site for groups of 30 or more.

For a performance task, students can set aside and use the same scratch paper the next day. Can the test administrator make a screen capture of the students' scratch paper to be able to verify that the same scratch paper is being used from test session to test session?

Yes. Making a screen capture could be a good practice. If used, the test administrator should permanently delete this screen capture, similar to how a student tears up scratch paper at the end of a test.

Where are the Smarter Balanced Directions for Administration located?

The scripts for administering the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments and California Science Test are located in the Smarter Balanced Summative and CAST Scripts topic in the CAASPP Online Test Administration Manual. The directions specific to remote administration are still being drafted and will be posted on the Spring Administration Information for Educators website.

Which students must take the California Science Test (CAST)?

The CAST is administered to students in grade levels five, eight, and once in high school. All grade five and grade eight students, as well as students in grade twelve who have not already taken the CAST while in high school, are automatically assigned to the assessment in TOMS.

Students in grade eleven who did not test during the 2019–2020 CAASPP administration will have to test this year, in grade twelve.

What is the 2020–2021 science testing requirement?

High school students who were assigned to take the California Science Test (CAST) or California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science who did not take or submit a completed test in 2019–2020 have not met the science testing requirement and can be registered to take a science assessment in 2020–2021.

Students who are enrolled in grade twelve for the 2020–2021 school year and who have yet to meet the science testing requirement will be automatically registered for the CAST. Students who need an alternate assessment must be assigned in the Test Operations Management System to take the CAA for Science. Students enrolled in grade ten or eleven for the 2020–2021 school year can be registered as appropriate.

All 2019–2020 grade twelve students have met the California science requirement irrespective of whether or not they tested. Therefore, if a student repeats grade twelve, that student will be ineligible to take the CAST or the CAA for Science during the 2020–2021 school year or any subsequent administration year.

Will the California Science Test (CAST) be administered during the 2020–2021 test administration year?

Yes. The CAST is available for both remote and in-person administration.

Was the California Science Test (CAST) blueprint or estimated testing time adjusted?

No. The 2020–2021 CAST is still based upon the 2017 blueprint. The California Department of Education has not implemented a revised CAST blueprint.

Where can local educational agencies find California Science Test (CAST) resources and information?

Resources for the CAST can be found on the CAST web page on the CAASPP website.

Are local educational agencies (LEAs) required to participate in second scoring for the California Alternate Assessment (CAA)?

The second scoring requirement for the CAA for English language arts/literacy (ELA) has been suspended for the 2020–21 administration, which means that LEAs selected for second scoring are no longer required to perform any of the activities associated with second scoring. Second scoring for the CAA for ELA is now expected to begin during the 2021–22 administration.

Can the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for English language arts/literacy, mathematics, and science be administered remotely?

No. The California Department of Education requires that all CAAs be administered in person when it is safe for all involved.

Since the California Alternate Assessment (CAA) has to be administered in person, how should local educational agencies (LEAs) test a student who is unable to come to the school site?

If a student is unable to be present at the school site to test in person, an LEA might document this in either the student information system or the student's cumulative record.

What is the 2020–2021 science testing requirement?

High school students who were assigned to take the California Science Test (CAST) or California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science who did not take or submit a completed test in 2019–2020 have not met the science testing requirement and can be registered to take a science assessment in 2020–2021.

Students who are enrolled in grade twelve for the 2020–2021 school year and who have yet to meet the science testing requirement will be automatically registered for the CAST. Students who need an alternate assessment must be assigned in the Test Operations Management System to take the CAA for Science. Students enrolled in grade ten or eleven for the 2020–2021 school year can be registered as appropriate.

All 2019–2020 grade twelve students have met the California science requirement irrespective of whether or not they tested. Therefore, if a student repeats grade twelve, that student will be ineligible to take the CAST or the CAA for Science during the 2020–2021 school year or any subsequent administration year.

Will the test examiner tutorial be updated to account for the possibility of remote testing?

No. The California Alternate Assessment is administered in person and not remotely. However, training materials and instructions are being updated to include remote administration.

Would it be possible to have a special education teacher (i.e., a certificated teacher who knows the student best) attend the California Alternate Assessment (CAA) test appointment virtually (e.g., through Zoom) and have another local educational agency employee or contracted employee be physically present with the student to help administer a CAA?

Yes. However, all individuals who participate in administering the CAAs need to be test examiners who have completed the test examiner tutorial.

If an English learner student is assigned to the California Alternate Assessment (CAA), is the student automatically assigned to an alternate assessment for the ELPAC in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS)?

Yes. If a student is assigned to take the CAAs, the student will automatically be assigned to a locally determined alternate assessment in TOMS for the ELPAC.

Will the ELPAC be part of the accountability motions that were passed at the State Board of Education (SBE) meeting in March 2021?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Yes. The SBE requested permission from the US Department of Education to extend the testing window for both the CAASPP and ELPAC and decouple the state assessments from the state accountability system for 2020–21. The ELPAC is included in the state assessments. This request still needs to be developed, submitted, and approved by the US Department of Education.

What happens if local educational agencies are unable to test 100 percent of their students within the testing window?
(Posted 04/01/21)

Students who are not tested at the end of the ELPAC testing window will not be counted. All English learner students must be tested during the Summative ELPAC testing window. All students with an English Language Acquisition Status of To Be Determined must be administered the Initial ELPAC within the Initial ELPAC testing window.

For the remote ELPAC administration, do test examiners need to read directions from the Directions for Administration before each domain?

No. If students are taking more than one ELPAC domain during a session, test examiners can read the directions once for the student. Students will log on and select the first domain, submit the test, log back on to select the next domain, and continue testing.

Should test examiners select the remote or hybrid button in the Test Administration Interface when administering the Initial ELPAC remotely?

No. Test examiners should select only the in-person button regardless of whether they are administering the assessment remotely or in person.

Which buttons should test examiners select in the Test Administration Interface for the Summative ELPAC?

Test examiners who are administering the Summative ELPAC should select the remote or hybrid button if they are testing remotely and the in-person button if they are testing students safely in person. This step is important because data is being collected on how the Summative assessment is being administered throughout California.

If a student took the Initial ELPAC this school year, does that student need to take the Summative ELPAC as well?

Yes. If the student's English Language Acquisition Status is that of an English learner, the student must take the Summative ELPAC. Refer to the Summative ELPAC eligibility report in Test Operations Management System for a list of students in the local educational agency or school who will take the Summative ELPAC.

Have the Directions for Administration (DFA) for kindergarten through grade two been revised to assist with questions that require pointing?

Yes. Alternate directions have been developed to assist with questions that require pointing. Additionally, test examiners can now increase the size of the mouse pointer in the Test Administrator Interface. Refer to the addendums posted in the Moodle Training Site and the DFAs in the Test Operations Management System that provide directions to test examiners for remote administration.

Is there a Directions for Administration (DFA) for each grade level and grade span?

Yes. There is a single DFA for each grade level of kindergarten through grade two. A DFA for the Speaking domain and a DFA for the Listening, Reading, and Writing domains are available by grade span: three through five, six through eight, nine and ten, and eleven and twelve.

When administering the Summative ELPAC to students in kindergarten through grade two, will test examiners use Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another meeting software to enter the video meeting with the student virtually and then share the screen? This how remote Initial ELPAC testing was administered in fall 2020.

Yes. Test examiners will use whatever virtual meeting software that is normally used for instruction. The test examiner will share a screen with the student, the student will respond, and the test examiner will enter in the student's response into the test delivery system for the Listening and Reading domain, onto the student score sheet for the Speaking domain, or directly onto the Answer Book for the Writing domain.

How do we administer the Summative ELPAC kindergarten through grade two Writing domain remotely?

The Writing component can be administered remotely using a student score sheet, blank paper, physical whiteboard, or an electronic whiteboard. The student would write answers and then hold the answer up to camera. The test examiner would then immediately transcribe the answer exactly as it was written (including misspellings and upside-down letters). The sheets or papers must be destroyed after administration. Please review the newest addendum posted in the Moodle Training Site and videos that are available on the Videos and Quick Reference Guides web page for the kindergarten through grade two test administration.

When administering the Summative ELPAC kindergarten through grade two Writing domain, can we make a screen capture of the student's answer when the student holds it up to the camera?

Yes. Making a screen capture is permissible as long as it is not saved to the device. The test examiner should transcribe the student's answer in real time even if they are referring to a screen capture rather than asking a student to hold their writing up in front of the camera while they transcribe it. Screen captures should not be kept for later transcription. Any screen captures that are saved should be completely deleted from the device.

Do we still return kindergarten through grade two student Answer Books?

Yes. Summative ELPAC kindergarten through grade two Answer Books must be received by ETS for scoring. Please view and follow the Summative ELPAC Packing and Return Instructions to help ensure timely scoring and reporting.

How will students in grade levels three through twelve log on to the testing interface for the Summative ELPAC Writing domain?

Students in grade levels three through twelve log on to the secure browser and complete the test online as they have done in the past. All prompts can be played aloud using text-to-speech to make the instructions easier for students to understand.

When do students use the secure browser versus the web-based student testing interface when taking the Summative ELPAC?

The web-based student testing interface is to be used for individual, one-on-one testing sessions (that is, for kindergarten through grade two for all domains and grade levels three through twelve for the Speaking domain) because the test examiner must use a video-sharing application to share the screen with the student. For all other tests, use the secure browser.

What is the difference between to one-on-one Initial ELPAC remote testing and the one-on-one Summative ELPAC remote testing?

In the Test Administrator Interface, test examiners administering the Initial ELPAC must select In-person when setting up a test session, whereas for the Summative ELPAC, test examiners should select Remote or Hybrid when administering the Summative ELPAC remotely.

Are classified staff allowed to administer the Summative ELPAC?

Yes. The ELPAC regulations specify only that the test examiner must be an employee of the district who has fulfilled the test administration training requirement. Therefore, a trained, classified district employee may administer the ELPAC.

What style of administration should test examiners select when administering the Summative ELPAC one on one remotely to kindergarten through grade two (K–2) students and students taking the Speaking domain?

For students in K–2 and for students being administered the Speaking domain remotely, test examiners should choose the Remote or Hybrid administration option. While this launches test examiners into the verification screens needed for a remote group administration (audio and video checks), the additional screen checks should not affect test administration.

Are local educational agencies still expected to use the recording feature for the Speaking domain?

Yes. Recording the Speaking domain is expected for both the Initial and Summative ELPAC. If a test examiner runs into any issues, such as not selecting the [Record] button before the student provided a response, the test examiner can simply move on to the next question. Test examiners should do their best to record responses.

What should test examiners do in the event that the student's voice recording is not working?

If a test examiner runs into any issues, the test examiner can simply move on to the next question. Test examiners should do their best to record responses.

Test examiners should not use a headset when administering the Speaking domain so that the test examiner device is able to pick up the student's audio in the video meeting. A Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System case is not needed.

Can I administer all four domains of the Summative ELPAC in one testing session?

Yes. Since each domain test must be administered separately, students have to log on four times, but a test examiner can set up all four domains within a single session so that students could take the domains one after another.

If a student does not finish testing a domain, can the student resume testing the next day with a different test session?

Yes. However, we recommend that you complete a domain in one testing session. Administering one domain over the course of two days is not recommended.

What if students are unable to be assessed remotely or do not have the technology to test remotely?

Any student who is unable to be assessed remotely because of technology issues should be given the option to test in person when it is safe to do so. Current California Department of Public Health guidelines allow English learner students to be present at the school for testing.

What option is available when in-person testing is not allowed and the locally determined alternate assessment is not able to be administered remotely because of the nature of the student's disability?

If there is no option for in-person testing and the local assessment cannot be administered remotely, this should be documented in the student information system or the student's cumulative record.

How does the test examiner see the student's screen to know what to read aloud to the student?

The ELPAC regulations do not allow for read aloud for the Reading domain without changing the construct of the test. Individualized education program teams could decide whether it would be better to exempt the student from the Reading domain if the student's disability precludes the student from accessing this domain and it does not affect the student's score.

The Listening and Writing domains have embedded audio files that read test content to students. Students have the ability to change tone and speed of the passages.

The Speaking domain is administered one on one; the test examiner reads the questions to the student. For this one-on-one administration, the test examiner controls the student testing interface.

What are the consequences of not completing Summative ELPAC testing?

The number of students who have not tested will be reflected in public web reporting. Not meeting the 95 percent participation rate will not impact the Local Control Funding Formula. For questions about the dashboard, contact the California Department of Education Data Visualization and Reporting Office, by email at ELAccountability@cde.ca.gov or by phone at 916-323-3071.

Do individualized education programs (IEPs) need to reflect that a student is designated to take the Alternate ELPAC and the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs)?

Yes. IEPs need to reflect that a student is designated to take the CAAs and the Alternate ELPAC.

If an English learner student is assigned in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) to take the California Alternate Assessment (CAA), is the student automatically assigned to an alternate assessment for the ELPAC as well?

Yes. If a student is assigned to the CAA, the student will be automatically assigned in TOMS to take a locally determined alternate assessment.

What will happen with incomplete Summative ELPAC tests from the 2020–2021 administration?

Local educational agencies should plan on completing all Summative ELPAC testing by the end of the testing window, which is May 31, 2021. Currently, there are no plans to launch another optional administration in the fall.

Should local educational agencies (LEAs) plan to have staff complete the Alternate ELPAC Moodle Certification before this school year ends?

LEAs can determine when training should be completed, as long as it has been completed prior to administering the Alternate ELPAC field test in fall 2021.

Is Moodle training required for a scribe?

Training in the Moodle Training Site is required for coordinators or their designee. Test examiners are also required to complete training for the domains and grade levels and grade spans they will be administering. Scribes do not need to complete training in Moodle, but must sign an ELPAC Security Affidavit.