CAASPP Update # 161 - July 6, 2016 Focusing on the CAASPP System, including the Smarter Balanced assessments—a major component of CAASPP—and the California Alternate Assessments and science assessments. Updated Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines The Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines document has been updated for the 2016–17 CAASPP administration. Among the changes are two new resources: - Simplified Test Directions (non-embedded designated support) - 100s Number Table (non-embedded accommodation) In addition, the recommendations on the use of scratch paper (non-embedded universal tool) now include the use of a whiteboard and marker as well as low-te...

CARS NewsFlash #49 News Flash 49 was sent to LEA representatives to announce the 2015 ConApp Winter Release; and provide information regarding any changes in reporting. To:            Consolidated Application Subscription List, CARS LEA User Administrators From:       Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) Project Team Date:        December 15, 2015 Subject:    Consolidated Application and Reporting System Update FLASH #49 2015 Winter Release The Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) is on schedule for a Friday, January 15, 2016 release of the d...

Accessibility Notes: Multiplication Table  Please note the following information about the Multiplication Table (PDF) External link opens in new window or tab., available through the CAASPP Portal External link opens in new window or tab It is a non-embedded accommodation available to students in grades four and above who have an individualized education program or Section 504 plan. For students in grade three who have a documented need, it must be requested as an unlisted resource in TOMS. The use of the multiplication table in grade three can be found in Matrix One: Universal Tools, Designated Supports, and Accommodations for the California Assessment of Student Performance and P...

Smarter Balanced Content Development Opportunities This Summer! If you are a California educator with the following qualifications, Smarter Balanced wants to hear from you regarding possible participation in content development activities: l Currently certified or licensed to teach English language arts/literacy (ELA) and/or mathematics in a K–12 public school or certified to teach English learners and/or students with disabilities.Currently teaching in a public school or currently employed by a public school, district, or state education entity, including higher education, located within a Smarter Balanced member state.Within the past three years:Have taught ELA and/or mathematics in grades three through eight and/or high school or worked in a classroom content support role, such as a literacy or mathematics coach or district/state content specialist.and/or Have taught students with disabilities and/or English learners in grades three through eight and/or high school or worked in a support role, such as a district/school coordinator or instructional specialist. Educators with specialization in teaching students with visual impairments or who are deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to apply.Familiarity with part or all of the Common Core State Standards for the content area in which they are interested in working. For ELA item review, educators who have documented expertise in the area of science and/or social science may apply.Some opportunities will have additional preferred experience qualifications. The activities are taking place this summer, beginning in July, and selected educators will participate in a meeting that lasts four or five days. The content development meetings are as follows: Data review—review of field-tested items for possible content-related issues or accessibility-related issuesItem review—review of items before their being field-testedInterim assessment block/Digital Library connections—development of resources to connect the Digital Library with interim assessment blocks Apply by e-mailing Dixie Abbott, California Educator Involvement Coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to request an application. Completed applications must be returned by May 20, 2016. An FAQ document can be requested by e-mail as well. Smarter Balanced and respective contractors will make the final selection of educators to serve from each member state. The goal of that selection will be to have a balance of geographic regions, grade levels, years of experience, and other demographic data. Lodging, travel costs, and applicable reimbursements to each selected participant will be provided following the meeting and may include substitute reimbursement defined by local policy. New This Week! Parent Resources for Understanding the Student Score Report The video “Understanding the CAASPP Student Score Report 2015–16,” which explains how to interpret student results and highlights the new features found in the report, is now available in English. It is located on the California Department of Education (CDE) CAASPP Student Score Report Information Web page. The Spanish version of the video is coming soon. A CAASPP document, Understanding Your Student Score Report, is now available in English for each of the following on the Understanding the CAASPP Student Score Reports Web page: Grade three (ELA and mathematics)Grades four, six, and seven (ELA and mathematics) Grades five and eight (ELA, mathematics, and science) Grade ten (science)...

To help teachers administer the Smarter Balanced CAASPP tests we made each teacher an info packet.  Inside each packet we put a one-page summary of the steps they needed to take to become familiar with the test, learn how to administer it online, and provide the necessary signs and student ID cards.  Basically we tried to make it as simple as possible. We included a one-page "quick check" since we knew they probably wouldn't read the whole 50 page manual :).  We also printed out a "login ticket" for each student with their first name, SSID#, and class schedule (helpful when conducting make-ups).  We included a class roster, signs, and other helpful items.

Focusing on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System, including the Smarter Balanced assessments, a major component of CAASPP, and the California Alternate Assessments and science assessments. System Downtimes: February, March, and April Tonight, February 24, at 9 p.m. through Sunday, February 28, at 9 p.m., the Interim Assessment Viewing System as well as the Smarter Balanced practice tests and training tests will be unavailable. NEW, March 18 at 5 p.m. through March 20 at 7 p.m., the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) will be undergoing system maintenance and will not be accessible. April 7 at 4 p.m. through April 10 at 9 p.m., system downtim...

​ February System Downtime Coming Soon During scheduled system downtime this month—9 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, through 9 p.m. Sunday, February 28—the Interim Assessment Viewing System and the Smarter Balanced practice tests and training tests will be unavailable. The interim and summative assessment Test Delivery System will not be affected. Mark your Calendar Now for System Downtime in April System downtown is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, and end at 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, to load the California Alternate Assessments into the Test Delivery System. Issue 139 contains details on the particular systems that will be impacted. Report Test Security Incidents in STAIRS...

Focusing on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System, including the Smarter Balanced assessmentsa major component of CAASPP and the California Alternate Assessments and science assessments. February Downtime Coming Up The Interim Assessment Viewing System, as well as the Smarter Balanced practice tests and training tests, will be unavailable during scheduled downtime this month: 9 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, through 9 p.m. Sunday, February 28. All other CAASPP online systems will be available, and there will be no interruption to the interim or summative assessment Test Delivery System. The California Alternate Assessment (CAA) training tests will be loa...

CAASPP System Downtime Just a reminder: System downtime starts tonight at 9 p.m. and continues through January 18, 9 p.m., as part of final preparations for the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments. During that time, the Test Administrator Interface and Interim Assessment Viewing System will be unavailable. Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments will not be available to administer or preview. New Reporting Process for Irregularities and Appeals Effective Next Week A new reporting process for test irregularities and appeals—the Security and Test Administration Incident Reporting System (STAIRS)—will go into effect on January 19, which is the same date the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment...