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Students with specific learning needs may require accessibility resources to fully engage and demonstrate mastery of content during instruction and on assessments. To better serve them, the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), including the Alternate ELPAC, provides a wide range of resources to ensure that the administration of the test meets the needs of all students, including those with disabilities. The California Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix displays the embedded and non-embedded universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations allowed as part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and ELPAC systems.

Teachers are encouraged to review these resources early in the school year and provide opportunities for students to experience them throughout the year in classroom instruction and assessment. Some resources are embedded into the technology platform for computer-administered tests. Others are considered non-embedded, since they are provided by the local educational agency.

The Importance of Implementing CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Resources: Voices from Educators (Video; 08:31) focuses on our conversations with California educators to learn more about the importance of implementing accessibility resources for assessments. This training video serves as a starting point for staff who are developing accessibility processes and deciding how to implement accessibility resources for students.

Types of Student Accessibility Resources

Universal tools are available to all students on the basis of student preference and selection.

Designated supports are available to all students when determined for use by an educator or team of educators (with parent/guardian and student input, as appropriate) or specified in the student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.

Accommodations must be permitted to all eligible students taking CAASPP and ELPAC tests if specified in the student's IEP or Section 504 plan.

Unlisted resources are not universal tools, designated supports, or accommodations. Unlisted resources shall be made available if specified in the eligible student's IEP or Section 504 plan and only with approval from the California Department of Education (CDE). See the Unlisted Resources web page for more information.

To preview these student accessibility resources in the test delivery system, visit the Accessibility Resource Demonstration Videos web page.

Test Administration Manuals and Administrative Tools

ISAAP Tool

IEP Resources

Test Administration Templates

California Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix and Student Assessment Accessibility Graphics

CA Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix , a CDE web page, with information about universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations.

Student Accessibility Resources , a CDE web page, with information about California Student Assessment Accessibility graphics, available on the CDE include one-page graphics that show which accessibility resources are available on each assessment.

Accessibility Training

Accessibility Resource Demonstration Videos

Training Videos

Accessibility Resources Virtual Training Series

This asynchronous training provides guidance on the appropriate assignment of accessibility resources in the classroom and for the CAASPP and the ELPAC.

Configuring Testing Devices for Students with Visual Impairments

Translated Test Directions

CAASPP and ELPAC Special Request for Paper Exams

Please visit the CAASPP and ELPAC Special Request for Paper Exams web form to request CAASPP and ELPAC braille, large-print, or paper-pencil assessments for students with an IEP or Section 504 plan.

View the Entering Student Responses and Scores into the DEI (Video; 08:17) for a demonstration on how to use the DEI for the following scenarios:

Initial ELPAC: Enter Scores for Speaking and Writing domains for all grade levels

Initial ELPAC: Enter Responses for Listening and Reading for all grade levels

Summative ELPAC: Enter Scores for Speaking for grades three through twelve

Summative ELPAC: Enter Responses for Listening, Reading, and Writing for grades three through twelve

Braille and Large-Print Instructions for the Paper-Pencil Exams

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Students with specific learning needs may require accessibility resources to fully engage and demonstrate mastery of content during instruction and on assessments.

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California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for Science

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California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for Science

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Smarter Balanced Supporting Remote and Hybrid Teaching and Learning

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Smarter Balanced Supporting Remote and Hybrid Teaching and Learning

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The Smarter Balanced assessment system includes a comprehensive suite of standards-aligned assessments and tools-including instructional supports, interim assessments, and summative assessments-to support effective teaching and maximize learning for each individual student.

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Developed by Teachers for Teachers At the center of our work is a commitment to equity, accessibility, and ensuring that teachers are equipped with what they need to support students of diverse backgrounds and abilities for successful productive futures. A Smarter Assessment System The Smarter Balanced assessment system includes a comprehensive suite of standards-aligned assessments...

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1. Select one resource highlighted in this section. They are linked in the previous column.

2. Answer the questions below.

3. Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your answers. Remember to share what resource you reviewed.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 4.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 4.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 5.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 5.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 3.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 3.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 6.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 6.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 2.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 2.

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Please post technical issues or questions here. 

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Please post technical issues or questions here. 

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You should have received an email with a link to access the meeting materials. You may also access the materials at https://www3.cde.ca.gov/exfiles/downloadurl.aspx?pid=170&dc=9f9c43c9cbf442ada1

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The purpose of this application is to allow for file transfers between the California Department of Education (CDE) and non-CDE organizations. A project code and an upload/download password are required.

Project Information

Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series (ADAD)

This training series will provide direct, online training focused on leveraging the interim and formative components of the CAASPP and ELPAC comprehensive system of assessments to inform teaching and learning. It will be comprised of three distinct, independent modules with multiple opportunities to attend. Module 1 and Module 2 apply to Smarter Balanced, CAST, and ELPAC assessments collectively, while Module 3 includes separate hand scoring sessions tailored to each assessment.

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The purpose of this application is to allow for file transfers between the California Department of Education (CDE) and non-CDE organizations. A project code and an upload/download password are required. Project Information Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series (ADAD) This training series will provide direct, online training focused on leveraging the interim and formative components of the CAASPP and ELPAC comprehensive system of assessments to inform teaching and learning.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 1.

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Use the + symbol at the top of the column to post your question(s) for Section 1.

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This web page provides step-by-step instructions for how to accomplish a task or activity for the ELPAC. These instructions come in either PDF or video format.

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California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for English Language Arts/Literacy

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California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for English Language Arts/Literacy

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1.    What do you notice about this resource?

2.    What do you wonder about this resource?

3.    What is the main question you have?

4.    What do you need to know to answer the main question you identified?

5.    How could you use this resource in your own setting?

6.    What reflections do you have on your noticing-and-wondering process?

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Video: Using Rubrics to Improve Student Writing

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Video: Using Rubrics to Improve Student Writing

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Using Rubrics to Improve Student Writing

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Smarter Tools for Teachers. Discover classroom resources you can use today. Educator-created lessons, activities, strategies, and professional development to help tailor instruction and boost learning.

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You will receive an email with an evaluation survey and verification of attendance for each of the sessions you have attended. If you do not receive the email by the end of the day tomorrow, email CalTrainings@WestEd.org for assistance.

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California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for the Computer-Based ELPAC

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California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for the Computer-Based ELPAC

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California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for Mathematics

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California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for Mathematics

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California Educator Reporting System Resources

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The California Educator Reporting System (CERS) allows teachers and administrators to access their students’ individual and aggregate test results from state summative and interim assessments.

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Video: Importance of Implementing CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Resources: Voices from Educators

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Video: Importance of Implementing CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Resources: Voices from Educators

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Home > Training > CAASPP

Importance of Implementing CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Resources: Voices from Educators

This video focuses on our conversations with California educators to learn more about the importance of implementing accessibility resources for assessments. Best practices used by educators in the field are highlighted in this video.

To help understand the types of accessibility resources are available to students, please refer to the CAASPP Accessibility Resources web page and the ELPAC Student Accessibility Resources web page.

This video is closed captioned (CC). Select the CC icon to toggle captions.
Activate the full screen mode by selecting the box icon in the lower right corner of the player.

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Importance of Implementing CAASPP and ELPAC Accessibility Resources: Voices from Educators

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This video focuses on our conversations with California educators to learn more about the importance of implementing accessibility resources for California State Assessments.

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The Interim Assessment Viewing system is accessed through the Interim Assessment Administration Resources web page. To access, select the button for Interim Assessment Viewing system.

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Interim assessments are designed to support teaching and learning throughout the year. The CAASPP Interim Assessments include the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics as well as the California Science Test (CAST) Interim Assessments.

To access resources regarding the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) Interim Assessments, please visit the ELPAC Interim Assessment Administration Resources web page.

General Resources

User Guides

Interim Assessment Video Series

The CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessment Video Series consists of six modules covering the content and purpose of the interim assessments and how to use related systems and resources.

Interim Assessment Lists

2023-24 Interim Assessments At-a-Glance (July 2023)
This document lists, by grade level or grade span, all available CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments.

2023-24 Interim Assessments by Grade (August 2023)
This document lists all available CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments by grade or grade span, and provides information such as associated standards, total number of items and number of items requiring hand scoring.

Instructions

Other General Resources

Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment Resources

Blueprints

Blueprints for the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and mathematics, as well as various other resources, can be found on the CDE Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments web page

Quick Instructions and Flyers

Videos

Asynchronous Hand Scoring Learning Modules

These asynchronous learning modules guide educators on how to hand score the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment performance tasks for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and mathematics. The asynchronous learning modules can be accessed on the following web pages:

CAST Interim Assessment Resources

The CAST Interim Assessments in grades three, four, and five will each assess all three science domains. Middle school and high school will each have three interim assessments that assess a single science domain. Each CAST interim assessment will consist of two segments: one discrete segment and one performance task (PT) segment. The PT consists of four to six items, including one constructed response item worth 2 points that must be hand-scored.

CAST Interim Assessment Organization Flyer

Blueprints

Item Specifications

Item specifications describe how items for the CAST are developed to assess the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).

CAST Item Specifications web page

CAST Constructed Response Annotated Examples

These annotated examples were created for selected constructed response items on the CAST practice tests. Practice test scoring guides and more can be found on the Online Practice Test Scoring Guides, PFAs, and DFAs web page.

Last Reviewed: September 19, 2023

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Test Administrator Resources for the administration of California tests.

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For more information on upcoming training opportunities, including additional sessions in the 2023 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series, please visit www.caaspp.org/training/training-opportunities.html

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Training workshops for administration of the CAASPP computer-based summative and interim assessments and the Digital Library.

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Video: Understanding the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments

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Video: Understanding the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments

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Understanding the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments

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Read recommended questions and answers that will help you better understand and use the Smarter Content Explorer.

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2023 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series Evaluation Form

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2023 Interim and Formative Assessment Training Series Evaluation Form.

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Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: 2023–24 Introduction to CERS for Test Coordinators and Administrators Online Training. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

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To support the use of the California Educator Reporting System (CERS), the California Department of Education in collaboration with the Sacramento County Office of Education is hosting the 2023–24 Introduction to CERS for Test Coordinators and Administrators training. This three-hour online trainin…

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Home Page - Smarter Balanced Sample Items

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Understanding the California Educator Reporting System (CERS)

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Smarter Balanced Annotated Response Tool

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Smarter Balanced Annotated Response Tool

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Writing tasks challenge students to demonstrate critical thinking skills. In each task, students examine sources on a topic and write a response based on a specific purpose described in state academic standards. Read more about “purpose” under Terms to Know.

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Online Practice Tests Scoring Guides, Preparing for Administration, and Directions for Administration web page

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Online Practice Tests Scoring Guides, Preparing for Administration, and Directions for Administration web page

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Online Practice Test Scoring Guides, Preparing for Administration (PFAs), and Directions for Administration (DFAs)

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Test Administrator Resources for the administration of the CAASPP Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests.

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California Educator Reporting System Resources

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The California Educator Reporting System (CERS) allows teachers and administrators to access their students’ individual and aggregate test results from state summative and interim assessments.

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Will there be specific data on the 3D components of the CAST Interim Assessments?

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What interim components will be included in ELPAC? if administered non-standardized will we be able to use data through CERS or does it have to be administered standardized?

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Will there be items that need to be hand scored on the ELPAC interims?

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Are both scored? Whether it be standardized or nonstandardized?

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Can the IABs and FIABs used for standardized administrations? Or is it only for the ICAs?

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When will the interim ELPACs be administered? Who is it administered by?

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Would you start a Session to use the Non-Standardized type of assessment?  OR the Read only - 

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Would you start a Session to use the Non-Standardized type of assessment?  OR the Read only - 

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How come you won't have grade level assessment for middle and high school science? Have them by domains is not helpful and is pre NGSS!

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How come you won't have grade level assessment for middle and high school science? Have them by domains is not helpful and is pre NGSS!

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How do you measure ELPAC practice or training tests in ELPAC?

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How do you measure ELPAC practice or training tests in ELPAC?

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Practice Test Scoring Guides for ELPAC provide details about student response types, correct responses, and related scoring considerations for the included sample of practice test items. You can find more information about ELPAC practice tests and training tests here:

https://www.elpac.org/resources/practicetests/#practice-training-tests

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The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is comprised of the Initial, Summative, and Alternate ELPAC.

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What type of formative assessment resources/training is available for teachers? How would they access it? 

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What type of formative assessment resources/training is available for teachers? How would they access it? 

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Tools for Teachers supports the formative assessment process in ELA and mathematics and is available to all CA educators.

You can find information about upcoming training opportunities at caaspp.org/training/training-opportunities.html

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Smarter Tools for Teachers. Discover classroom resources you can use today. Educator-created lessons, activities, strategies, and professional development to help tailor instruction and boost learning.

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Why are IABs not scored in four level bands like ICAs?

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Why are IABs not scored in four level bands like ICAs?

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Because IABS are looking at a small subset of standards, there are not enough items to provide information about a student's knowledge, skills and abilities at the claim level.

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Can result be sorted by Science and engineering practices? per grade level for MS and HS?

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Can result be sorted by Science and engineering practices? per grade level for MS and HS?

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The three Interim Assessments will be by grade level or domain? The PowerPoint says "Three interim assessments released per grade band" but the presenter said it would be by domain, ESS, LS, PS.

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Nonstandardized Administration vs. Interim Assessment Viewing System?

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Nonstandardized Administration vs. Interim Assessment Viewing System?

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Are there situations in which one type of interim assessment approach is more appropriate then the other?

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A question in the chat:
If classroom teachers are administering the ELPAC Interims, do they need to calibrate to score?

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I am wondering if Classroom Teachers are administering the Interim Assessments, do they have to do calibration training to score the Speaking and the Writing?

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Will results for the interim ELPAC only be available if the test is administered in the standardized method?

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Are interims available for ELA and Math available now?

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Are interims available for ELA and Math available now?

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Can the test questions be uploaded onto a google slide for instructional purposes?

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Are the scoring guide (i.e., answer key) and hand scoring training documents (ie exemplars) for CAST IA's available yet? When and where can they be accessed?

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Are the scoring guide (i.e., answer key) and hand scoring training documents (ie exemplars) for CAST IA's available yet? When and where can they be accessed?

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I noticed that we can choose a claim or test with target/standard to focus on.
I wonder if we are able to choose multiple targets at the same time in the future.
I would use this resource to drive a small group instruction
MB @ WUESD

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I noticed that I can select specific items from the IAB & view them one at at time.
I wonder if teachers at my district know about this feature.
This resource could be used by teachers as a warm up or exit ticket.

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I notice that I can use these in a standard and non standard setting, so I can work with small groups of students in particular areas as needed.

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Using this source would be great on large chart paper for partners or group work.

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I notice that these would be very effective to use with the whole class to do a think-aloud.

I wonder what impact this would have on the summative assessment outcome.

The main question I have is trying to fit this into our daily schedule as I think is a valuable tool

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Smarter Balanced Annotated Response Tool

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Smarter Balanced Annotated Response Tool

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1. The Smarter Balanced Annotated Response Tool is a great resource that provides educators with writing rubrics and performance task examples.

2. I’m wondering if it’s okay for educators to use the same writing rubrics within the classroom for essays.

3. Are educators allowed to use those writing rubrics within their classrooms?

4. A yes or no response. 😊

5. If allowed, students will know exactly what’s expected of them in their writing, for essays and state testing.

6. I’m just now realizing all these great resources we now have as ELD teachers. And how beneficial they will be for us educators and our students.

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Using this resource makes it seem easy to navigate the site and get to the information I need.

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I looked at the IAIP ELPAC interim for two different grade levels and domains.  I had difficulty finding the directions for administering the speaking domain.  I finally found them on TOMS, but it took several attempts to find it elsewhere.

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I looked at the IAIP ELPAC interim for two different grade levels and domains.  I had difficulty finding the directions for administering the speaking domain.  I finally found them on TOMS, but it took several attempts to find it elsewhere.

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I notice that the functionality for the sample test items is exactly the same as the the summative assessment
I wonder what will happen with my responses as I go through this sample test.

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I notice there is a lot of information. I wonder about which data will help me with my teaching. The main question I have is how can I use this to drive instruction. I will need to know how to navigate the website and apply it in the classroom. I could use this resource to focus my teaching on specific areas. My reflection is to apply these in the classroom right away.