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. Accessibility Last month, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium passed eight motions to update the Usability, Accessibility, and Accommodations Guidelines (UAAG). The changes, which apply only to specific CAASPP assessments, are as follows: New universal tools - Embedded thesaurus - Embedded line reader
New designated supports - Non-embedded amplification - Embedded mouse pointer size and color New accommodations - Embedded braille transcript ...

 Dear LEA Representative, The CDE is aware of the CALPADS performance issues that have occurred over the last two days and will be addressing the cause later today. Additionally, we will be postponing the July 31, 2017 End-of-Year (EOY) certification deadline. The new EOY deadline will be announced in Flash 129 set to be released on Friday, July 21, 2017. Thank you again for all of your patience and your diligent work. CALPADS Team

Dear LEA Representative,  This message is to notify you about several new enrollment reports for academic years 2014–15, 2015–16, and 2016–17 that are now publicly available on the California Department of Education (CDE) DataQuest Website. These reports are based on data previously submitted and certified in CALPADS by districts and charter schools; however, they have been updated with several visual and functional modifications.  These reports include:  Enrollment by Ethnicity and Grade Enrollment Multi-Year Summary by Ethnicity Enrollment by Ethnicity (with County Data) Enrollment Multi-Year Summary by Grade Enrollment by Grade (with County Data) En...

CALPADS LEA ADMINISTRATOR AUTHORIZATION INTERIM PROCESS To implement best practices and enhance overall CALPADS security, the process for authorizing CALPADS LEA Administrators has been modified. If the CALPADS Administrator application on file at the California Department of Education (CDE) is over one year old, a new application is now required upon an LEA Administrator account password reset request. This process will continue until the completion of the 2017–18 End-of-Year (EOY) data submission, and will not begin this August as stated in the April 2017 CALPADS Information Meeting. A new process will begin with the rollout of the changes to the CALPADS security model and upgraded user in...

(Editor's Note - From an email distributed today to all CA Accountablity Coordinators) Dear Accountability Coordinators:  The purpose of this e-mail is to inform you of two important notifications announcing the opening of the 2016–17 End-of-Year (EOY) data submission to the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).  These notifications are attached and are also available online on the California Department of Education’s Web site at: 2016–17 Data Collections:  Mid-Year Update (May 5, 2017 Letter to Superintendents and Charter Administrators): http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sp/cl/data1617midyearupdate.asp  CALPADS Update FLASH #127: http://www.cde.ca.gov/...

(Editor's Note:  From an email from the CASEMIS listserv from earlier this week -Thanks Rose!) Dear County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators: REVIEW AND CERTIFICATION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION DISCIPLINE DATA IN THE CALIFORNIA LONGITUDINAL PUPIL ACHIEVEMENT DATA SYSTEM In the spring of 2015, the California Department of Education (CDE) began a process to align data collection processes for students with disabilities in California. This process ensures student data are accurate for the purposes of both monitoring and accountability, as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). In 2015–16, the coll...

 To: Local Educational Agency Representatives From: California Department of Education – CALPADS Team Date: May 4, 2017 Subject:May 2017 Direct Certification Extract Delay DIRECT CERTIFICATION EXTRACT DELAY During the recent modification of the direct certification match process to include students who are eligible for reduced-price meals through the Medi-Cal Program, we encountered some additional technical issues with the results file. In an effort to ensure that these issues were resolved, the CALPADS Team and the Nutrition Services Division have once again decided to delay the monthly match process by one week. The match was originally scheduled to occur on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 with...

From an email sent 5/2/2017: Dear LEA CAASPP Coordinator:  Testing is in full swing with large volumes of online CAASPP testers—today's peak had over 450,000 students testing concurrently. The usage of the system is monitored, and when it gets close to its maximum concurrent users, it protects the system and those students who are testing by restricting access to new sessions. This situation occurred for about 20 minutes today. At that time, some test administrators received a system message and were able to log on after waiting approximately 10 minutes. In an abundance of caution to maintain smooth operations of the CAASPP assessments for your test administrators and students, the CAAS...

Hot off the digital press!  CALPADS EOY for Beginners.  A ~30 minute video that explains the CALPADS End of Year process for newbies. 

​(Editor's Note:  from an email sent to the CSIS listserv and forwarded to me to post - Chris) To: Local Educational Agency Representatives From: California Department of Education – CALPADS Team and Career Technical Education Administration and Management Office Date: May 23, 2017 Subject: CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSE MAPPING WORKSHOPS The CALPADS Team and Career Technical Education Administration and Management Office will be offering several workshops throughout the state beginning the second week in June. These workshops will focus primarily on course mapping for the 2017 – 18 academic year. UPCOMING CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSE MAPPING WORKSHOPS Title: Mapping Local CTE C...

Coinciding with the May 9, 2017 CALPADS release, the following documents have been updated and are posted on the CDE CALPADS Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/calpads, under the System Documentation  CALPADS File Specifications (v8.6) CALPADS User Manual (v8.5) CALPADS Error List (v8.9) CALPADS SSID and Enrollment Procedures (v8.6)CALPADS Data Guide (v8.6)  CALPADS File Specifications v8.6  CALPADS Code Sets (v8.6)  The CALPADS Code Sets document is provided in Microsoft Excel format and contains the current code values referenced in the CALPADS File Specifications (CFS) for the coded value data elements. The Code Sets document includes the Code Set Na...

The California Department of Education (CDE) is pleased to announce the availability of new features on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard) being field-tested this spring. These features include the reporting of local indicator data for local educational agencies (LEAs) that have submitted information through the self-reflection tools and the release of the Detailed Reports.  To assist stakeholders, LEAs, and the public understand these new features, the CDE is hosting a Webinar on May 9, 2017, at 2 p.m. that will review these new features. The PowerPoint slides from the Webinar will be subsequently posted on the CDE California Accountability Model and School Dashboard Web page ...

From an email sent by CALPADS on May 2, 2017: Dear LEA Representative,  The Student Enrollment (SENR) file format will change on May 9, 2017.  LEAs should complete all SENR transactions by close of business on May 8, 2017. The collection of two new data elements for high school graduates, Golden State Seal Merit Diploma and State Seal of Bi-literacy, will be added to the SENR file type on May 9, 2017.  All SENR batch jobs in the queue that have not been fully posted will be changed to an "Excluded" status. The LEAs will not be able to take action on the "Excluded" transactions, nor will they be able to download SSID Extracts. LEAs will need to work with their student informati...

CAASPP Update 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.  Accessibility Notes: Updated Guide Now Available! The updated  Accessibility Guide for CAASPP Online Testing , which includes a change log (in the appendix), is now available on both the  Student Accessibility Resources and Test Settings  Web page and the  Manuals and Instructions  Web page of the CAASP Portal Web site. March System Downtime Begins Tonight Tonight at 5 p.m. through March 20 at 7 a.m., the Test Operations Management System, Test Administrator Interface, Interim Assessment (IA) Viewer, IA Hand Scoring, Online Reporting System, and the Appeal, Completion Status, and Roster Management systems will be undergoing system maintenance and will not be accessible. March 20—California Alternate Assessments and California Science Tests March 20—the opening of the CAASPP science and alternate assessments administration—is less than a week away! Are you ready? The high school grade-level assignment for the pilot California Science Test (CAST) and the pilot California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science can be confirmed by checking the assignment link on the CAASPP Portal  CAST Web page .  Confirm your  CAA version assignments  before you start printing out Directions for Administration (DFAs) or administer the CAA for English Language Arts and CAA for Mathematics. The new CAA for Science pilot test is a performance task (PT) assessment designed to be administered closer to the student’s instructional activity. This innovative assessment allows test examiners (TEs) some flexibility in the administration of the PT. TEs can select familiar materials for students and allow students to demonstrate what they know. A sample training test is available on the CAASPP Portal  CAAs Web page . The training test is aligned with the grade five California Next Generation Science Standards but can be used by students in any of the tested grades to familiarize educators, students, parents, and stakeholders with the testing format of the pilot. This training test is the same type of embedded PT that will be administered during this year’s pilot CAA for Science. Designed to be administered one on one, the training test PT is nonsecure and for use in preparing for the pilot CAA for Science.  Science Fact Sheets The  California Science Test Pilot Assessment Fact Sheet  is now available! It provides a quick and easy “Who, What, When, Why, and How” for the CAST as well as a timeline for implementation through to the operational assessment in 2019. A fact sheet for the California Alternate Assessment for Science will be posted soon. Please share this e-mail with any educators in your local educational agency who would be interested in or benefit from this information.  To join the e-mail list, send a blank e-mail message to  subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov .  Are you a new subscriber? Visit the CDE  CAASPP Update Web page  to find previous issues.

​Here's an even better video explaining how the new California School Dashboard works and what it replaces. (And why this system is likely a better, more holistic approach to evaluating school progress). The video was created by two educators from Brea Olinda USD, who gave me permission to link to the video here on the site.  Thanks Kerry & Erin! ​

CARS NewsFlash #55 News Flash 55 was sent to LEA User Administrators announcing the 2016 Winter Release Webinar video has been posted to YouTube. To:            Consolidated Application Subscription List, CARS LEA User Administrators From:        Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) Project Team Date:         January 27, 2017 Subject:     Consolidated Application and Reporting System Update FLASH #55 2016 Winter Release Webinar The Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) Project Team has created a YouTube video: 2016 Winter Release Webinar. The recording provides an overview of how to navigate within the CARS and a general review of the Winter Release data collections. The direct link is: https://youtu.be/fgu0VpiuVUM  . We recommend that you view the recording in full screen mode to make the smaller text easier to read. Other Resources You can find other helpful resources on the Consolidated Application (ConApp) Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/co/ including: 2016–17 Consolidated Application Program Guidance2016–17 Consolidated Application Instructions Each form’s data entry instructions include step-by-step procedures to complete the form, a list of all error messages, and (if applicable) how to resolve the error. Also, the CARS Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/co/cars.asp includes the CARS LEA User Guide that contains more information on how the system works and how to use each of the tabs. Deadline Reminder All 2016 Winter Release data collections are due Tuesday, February 28, 2017. As the deadline approaches, and more LEAs are submitting data, the system performance will slow down due to the volume of data saved. We encourage you to avoid the rush and certify your ConApp early. Note: the data collections will remain open after the deadline while we validate submitted data and expedite unsubmitted data. Additional Information If you have any questions regarding CARS, please contact the Consolidated Application Support Desk by e-mail at conappsupport@cde.ca.gov. If this e-mail was forwarded to you and you wish to subscribe to the Consolidated Application e-mail list, please send a blank e-mail to join-consolidated-application@mlist.cde.ca.gov.   Questions:   ConApp Support Desk | conappsupport@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0297

2016 Spring Release Webinar The Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) Project Team has created our second YouTube video: 2016 Spring Release Webinar. The recording is an overview for local educational agencies (LEA), of how to navigate within the CARS and a general review of the Spring Release data collections. The direct link is: https://youtube/UTLDHSN_RhM . Given the clarity of the smaller text is not the best, we recommend that you view the recording in full screen mode. Also, the following additional training information is available from the Consolidated Application (ConApp) Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/co/: 2016-17 Consolidated Application Program Guidance2016-17 Consolidated Application Instructions Each form’s instructions include step-by-step instructions to complete the forms, a list of all error messages, and if applicable how to resolve the error. The CARS Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/co/cars.asp includes a link to the CARS LEA User Guide that contains more information on how the system works and how to use each of the tabs. "Missing" 2016-17 Data Collections ConApp Support has received a number of telephone calls and e-mails about “missing” 2016-17 data collections. Please remember that the display of additional data collections is dependent on what you apply for in the 2016-17 Application for Funding.

2016-17 Spring Release The Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) is on schedule for a Sunday, May 15, 2016 release of the data collections listed below. All data collections will have a deadline date of June 30, 2016. 2014-15 Expenditure Reports Title II, Part A Fiscal Year Expenditure Report, 24 MonthsTitle III, Part A Immigrant YTD Obligations Report, 24 MonthsTitle III, Part A LEP YTD Obligations Report, 24 Months 2015–16 End of Year Reports Title I, Part A Nonprofit Private School Student Demographics and ServicesTitle I, Part A School Funded Staff ReportTitle I, Part A Parental Involvement PoliciesTitle I, Part A School Program Improvement ActivitiesTitle I, Part A Program Improvement Expenditures and Reallocation CriteriaTitle I, Part D Facilities ReportTitle I, Part D Demographics by ProgramTitle I, Part D OutcomesTitle I, Part D Academic PerformanceTitle II, Part A School Class Size Reduction ReportTitle II, Part A Fiscal Year Expenditure Report, 12 MonthsTitle III, Part A Immigrant YTD Obligations Report, 12 MonthsTitle III, Part A LEP Nonprofit Private School ReimbursementTitle III, Part A LEP YTD Obligations Report, 12 MonthsTitle VI, Part B, Subpart 2 RLIS Activity ReportHomeless Education Policy, Requirements, and Implementation 2016–17 Application for Funding Reports Certification of AssurancesProtected Prayer CertificationApplication for FundingSchool Student Counts, ProjectedOther ESEA Nonprofit Private School ParticipationEconomic Impact Aid School Funding PlanTitle I, Part A Nonprofit Private School ParticipationTitle I, Part A Planned School AllocationsSubstitute System for Time Accounting Summary of Changes 2014-15 Title III, Part A Immigrant YTD Expenditure Report, 24 Months Added display of supplemental entitlement which is included in calculating unspent funds. 2015–16 Title I, Part D All forms:If the program-specific (At-Risk; Neglected; Juvenile Detention) count of facilities in Title I, Part D Facilities Report is greater than zero and the number of same program-specific facilities that reported student data is equal to zero, then the program section in each form will not display.Outcomes:Added new field to each program section: “Within 90 calendar days after exit, the number of students who earned high school course credits.”Added new field to each program section: “Within 90 calendar days after exit, the number of students who enrolled in GED program.” 2015–16 Homeless Education Policy, Requirements, and Implementation Added new field to indicate whether the homeless liaison has attended and/or participated in homeless education liaison training within the last two years.Added new field, if homeless liaison has completed training, to indicate at what leve was provided: Local; County; State; National. 2016–17 Other ESEA Nonprofit Private School Participation Added Title III, Part A Immigrant as a participation option. California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System Data Dependency on CARS for School Title I Program Status The California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) End of Year 2 (EOY2) data collection is dependent on data that LEAs certify in the CARS Title I, Part A Notification of Authorization of Schoolwide Program (SWP) data collection. If the LEA has not already certified their 2015-16 Title I, Part A Notification of Authorization of SWP school data, CALPADS will consider all schools in the district...

Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Big Changes in School Funding California's system for funding schools is getting its biggest overhaul since Prop 13, which significantly altered funding sources, passed in the 1970s. Beginning this school year, California Public Schools (including Charter Schools) will be funded through a new system that replaces the old "categorical" approach of the last several decades. The new system is known as the Local Control Funding Formula or LCFF for short. What is LCFF? The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) establishes a base grant for every student attending a public school in California. It then provides a supplemental grant for every student in a district...