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New CALPADS data field updates for September 2026

CALPADS Update · September 24, 2026

Recent CALPADS Changes: New and Revised Error Guides for 2026–27

CALPADS Error List Versions 18.0 through 18.3 introduced new validations and revised several existing rules. We have added six new SDLA error guides, substantially updated eleven existing guides, and removed two retired validations from public view.

At a glance

  • Six new guides: historical homeless-program records, special education settings and dates, U.S. school enrollment history, and an EOY 1 private-school validation.
  • Eleven revised guides: updated age calculations, RFEP date sequencing, staff and course relationships, preschool setting dependencies, and cross-LEA special education history.
  • Two retired validations: CRSE0548F2 and CRSC0548E2 have been removed from the active SDLA collection.
  • Current reference: CALPADS Error List Version 18.3, dated September 15, 2026.

Six newly added CALPADS guides

These pages cover validations added during the Version 18.0 and 18.1 release cycle. Each guide translates the published rule into an evidence-based correction path and identifies the source records that should be reviewed before data is changed.

SPRG · Fatal input validation

SPRG0746

Historical homeless-program records for 2025–26 and later must include an end date within the same academic year as the membership start date.

SPRG · Fatal input validation

SPRG0747

Historical homeless-program records for 2024–25 and earlier must include an end date on or before June 30, 2025.

Fall 1 · Fatal CDD

PLAN0748F1

Reconcile private-school enrollment, age on September 1, ISP plan type, reason for plan, and the reported special education program setting.

Fall 1 · Fatal CDD

SWDS0755F1

Verify that the Special Education Initial Entry Start Date is later than the student’s documented birth date and agrees with the student’s special education history.

Fall 1 · Warning CDD

SENR0756F1

Compare the Census-effective indicator for fewer than three cumulative years in U.S. schools with the student’s qualifying TK–12 enrollment days.

EOY 1 · Fatal CDD

SENR0623E1

Reconcile a Private School Group enrollment with the student’s associated MEET or PLAN record and the applicable effective dates.

Revised Fall 1 and EOY guidance

The most consequential revisions affect date boundaries, preschool-setting dependencies, RFEP chronology, and whether a qualifying special education record must belong to the same LEA.

  • PLAN0364F1 — The lower age boundary is evaluated on Census Day, while the upper age-six boundary is evaluated on September 1.
  • PLAN0675F1 — The age-six boundary for Home setting code 200 is now anchored to September 1 rather than Census Day.
  • PLAN0387F1 — The current rule requires the Preschool Program Setting Service Location Code whenever setting 201 is reported; the Version 18.3 row no longer uses Student Birth Date as a trigger.
  • PLAN0388F1 — The Ten or More Weekly Hours in Setting Indicator is required with setting 201; blank and a supported negative response are not equivalent.
  • SELA0751F1 — An RFEP status effective on Census Day must begin at least one day after the qualifying enrollment starts for the same Reporting LEA.
  • SELA0751E1 — The EOY 1 version applies the same required RFEP-after-enrollment sequence without the Fall 1 Census Day limitation.
  • SENR0623F1 — The qualifying MEET or PLAN may now exist at any LEA; staff should not create a duplicate local record merely because another LEA owns the valid history.

Revised staff and course guidance

  • SDEM0200 — Staff effective and employment dates must fall within the Reporting LEA’s official open and closed dates, inclusive.
  • CRSE0683F2 — A CRSE teacher must be supported by the current instructional Staff Assignment classification; a non-instructional assignment alone is not sufficient.
  • CERT053 — The revised warning now distinguishes instructional teacher classification 13 from non-instructional teacher classification 14.
  • CRSE0688F2 — The current rule focuses on consistent Multiple Teacher Code population across CRSE records sharing Academic Year, school, and Class ID.

Two validations retired

CALPADS deactivated CRSE0548F2 for Fall 2 and CRSC0548E2 for EOY 2. Their SDLA records have been unpublished so users are not directed to correction guidance for inactive validations.

How to use the updated guides

Start with the error code displayed in CALPADS, preserve the failed transaction or certification detail, and compare the full record history with the authoritative SIS, SEDS, HR, scheduling, or program source. Correct the first unsupported fact, allow processing to complete, and then regenerate the affected snapshot or report.

Browse all CALPADS error guides

Official CALPADS references

These SDLA guides reflect CALPADS Error List Version 18.3, dated September 15, 2026, and the related Version 18 release history reviewed through September 24, 2026. CALPADS documentation may continue to change. Confirm the current official rule and local source evidence before modifying production data.

CDE Assessment Update September 18, 2026

CDE Assessment Spotlight · Issue 380 · September 18, 2026

Assessment Spotlight: K–2 Resources, Coordinator Training, and CAA for Science

New early-learning resources are available in Tools for Teachers, registration is open for an October webinar for newer assessment coordinators, and the California Alternate Assessment for Science testing window is underway.

At a glance

  • New kindergarten through grade two literacy and mathematics resources are available in Tools for Teachers.
  • California local educational agency staff need a free Tools for Teachers account for full access.
  • A new coordinator webinar on practice tests, training tests, and interim assessments is scheduled for October 15.
  • The CAA for Science window opened September 15; its three embedded performance tasks may be scheduled throughout the instructional year.

New K–2 Resources in Tools for Teachers

Educators looking for fresh ways to support early literacy and mathematics can now find new kindergarten, grade one, and grade two resources in Tools for Teachers. These standards-aligned supplemental resources include:

Ready to support instruction

  • Ready-to-use, engaging lesson plans
  • Professional learning resources designed with young learners in mind
  • Connections Playlists with practical ideas for identifying meaningful next steps for student learning

The collection can help educators support a challenging skill, gather evidence of what students know and can do, and plan appropriate next steps.

Explore the K–2 resources

Tools for Teachers account required

For full access, California local educational agency staff need a Tools for Teachers account. Staff may follow the How to Self-Register for Tools for Teachers guide (PDF) or contact their LEA testing coordinator.

New Coordinator Training: Practice Tests, Training Tests, and Interim Assessments

October 15, 2026 · 3–4 p.m.

What the webinar will cover

  • The purpose of using training and practice tests
  • The difference between practice tests and training tests
  • The purpose of interim assessments
  • Available key resources

This webinar is part of a yearlong series that provides just-in-time information and opportunities to ask questions of experienced coordinators.

Audience: LEA CAASPP and ELPAC coordinators who have served in the role for less than 12 months, along with coordinators who would like a refresher on their responsibilities.

Register for the webinar

CAA for Science Testing Window Now Open

The California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science testing window opened September 15, 2026. Test examiners may begin administering the three embedded performance tasks now.

The three performance tasks should be scheduled throughout the school year. Each task should be administered shortly after the student receives instruction on the related science content.

Administration reminders

  • Use the script in the secure Directions for Administration available through the Test Operations and Management System (TOMS).
  • Administer each performance task one-on-one with a trained test examiner who is familiar with the student and the student’s needs.
  • Some questions include Part A and Part B and may require scrolling.

Review the Organization of the CAA for Science flyer (PDF)

Stay connected

For questions about test administration, coordination, and training, visit the CAASPP and ELPAC website .

Please share this update with educators in your LEA who would benefit from these resources. To join the statewide assessment email list, send a blank message to .

Questions may also be directed to the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Office at or 916-445-8765.

View Assessment Spotlight issues on the CDE website

Source: California Department of Education Assessment Spotlight, Issue 380. Event availability, schedules, and registration details may change; confirm current information with the linked provider.

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