Search STAIRS: Overview

Use the Search for STAIRS cases screen to view STAIRS cases that have already been submitted or that are in Draft status.

  • STAIRS cases can be withdrawn if not yet processed.
  • STAIRS cases that are still in Draft status can be updated and submitted.

To open the STAIRS/Appeals screen (figure 1), select the [STAIRS] navigation tab from the top navigation bar, and then select the [Search STAIRS] action tab.

Stairs/Appeals navigation tab

Figure 1. STAIRS/Appeals Navigation

Select one of the following links to continue:

Quick Instructions

  1. On the Search for STAIRS cases screen, enter the search terms, and then select the [SEARCH] button.
    • Enter one or more search terms to display all cases matching the search terms.
    • To display all cases associated with the user’s LEA or school, depending on the user role, do not enter any search terms.
    • Select the [CLEAR] button to clear any entered search terms and start another search.
    • Search results are displayed in the search results section.
  2. To view the STAIRS case, select one of two possible actions, depending on the case and the status.
    • The [Edit] pencil [pencil icon] icon—Available only for cases that are in draft status. This action allows users to view and edit the selected case. The New STAIRS screen tab is displayed, where users can view and edit the case by moving through the steps. For more information on editing STAIRS cases, please review New STAIRS.
    • The [View] magnifying glass [magnifying glass icon] icon—Allows users to view the “STAIRS Summary” and “STAIRS Notes” sections for the STAIRS cases that have been submitted.

Detailed Instructions

Open the Search for STAIRS cases screen (figure 2) by selecting the [STAIRS] navigation tab from the top navigation bar, and then select the [Search STAIRS] action tab.

Search for STAIRS navigation

Figure 2. Search for STAIRS Navigation

Then, follow these steps:

  1. On the Search for STAIRS cases screen (figure 3), enter the search terms, and then select the [SEARCH] button.
    • Enter one or more search terms to display all cases matching the search terms.
    • To display all cases associated with the user’s LEA or school, depending on the user role, do not enter any search terms.

    • To clear any entered search terms and start another search, select the [CLEAR] button.

      'Search for STAIRS Cases' section

      Figure 3. Search for STAIRS Cases

    Table 1 describes the expected entry for each field in the Search for STAIRS cases screen.

    Table 1. Fields in the Search for STAIRS Cases Screen
    Name Entry Description
    Select Organization Select the school that is associated with the STAIRS case. Enter at least the first five text characters of the school’s name, and then select from the resulting list.
    SSID Enter the SSID for the student associated with the STAIRS case.
    STAIRS ID Enter the STAIRS identification number that was saved with the STAIRS case.
    Grade Select the grade associated with the STAIRS case from the drop-down list.
    Test Name Select the test name associated with the STAIRS case from the drop-down list.
    Type/Domain Select the test type or domain associated with the STAIRS case from the drop-down list.
    Submitted Date (Date Range) For the first field, select the calendar [calendar icon] icon to specify the date the STAIRS case was submitted or, if unsure of the date, enter an approximate date. For the second field, select the calendar [calendar icon] icon to specify the end date of a date range.
    STAIRS Status Select the STAIRS status associated with the case from the drop-down list.
    Testing Issue Select the testing issue associated with the case from the drop-down list.
    Appeal Type Select the Appeal type associated with the case from the drop-down list.
    Irregularity Flag Select "Y" to filter for ELPAC STAIRS cases for students for whom a testing irregularity occurred. Testing irregularities may or may not impact a student’s score.
    Applicable for Plan of Action Select "Y" to filter for ELPAC STAIRS cases for which a plan of action description has been provided. A plan of action description includes a detailed description of a testing irregularity that occurred along with the resolution to be implemented to avoid such situations in future.
  2. The search results are displayed in the “Search Results” section (figure 4). To view the STAIRS case, select one of two possible actions, depending on the case and the status.
    • The [Edit] pencil [pencil icon] icon—Available only for cases that are in Draft status. It allows users to view and edit the selected case. The New STAIRS screen— [Background Information] tab is displayed, where users can view and edit the case by moving through the steps.
    • The [View] magnifying glass [magnifying glass icon] icon—Allows users to view the “STAIRS Summary” and “STAIRS Notes” sections for the submitted STAIRS case.

    Figure 4. Search STAIRS Cases Results

STAIRS Summary

Use the STAIRS Summary screen (figure 5) to view the details of STAIRS cases.

  • The STAIRS Summary screen is displayed in either of the following ways:
    • After selecting the [View] magnifying glass [magnifying glass icon] icon from the Search for STAIRS Case results
    • After submitting a STAIRS case
  • Select the [CLOSE] button to close the “STAIRS Summary” section and return to the “Search for STAIRS Cases” section.
  • Use the Select column to select the SSID(s) to be withdrawn, and then select the [WITHDRAW] button to withdraw the STAIRS case.
    • To select all SSID(s), select the checkbox in the Select column heading. All SSID(s) will be withdrawn.
    • To request a withdrawal of only part of the submitted STAIRS case, select the checkbox in the appropriate row of the Select column for each SSID that needs to be withdrawn. Only the SSID(s) that are selected for withdrawal will be excluded from any action as a result of the STAIRS submission.

STAIRS Summary Screen

Figure 5. STAIRS Summary Screen

STAIRS Notes

Use the Notes screen (figure 6) to view any comments for the CDE or CalTAC that have been added to the current STAIRS case. More comments about the STAIRS case can also be added here for the CDE or CalTAC.

  • Enter text in the “Comments” box, and then select the [ADD NOTES] button to add those comments to the STAIRS case.
  • To clear any text in the comments box, select the [CLEAR] button.

  • Select the [Summary] tab, and then select the [CLOSE] button to close the screen. Users can also exit by logging off TOMS.

    STAIRS Summary Screen

    Figure 6. STAIRS Notes