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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=d6dcdb5143f647b482.

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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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Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments At-a-Glance web document

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Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments At-a-Glance web document

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Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments by Grade web document

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Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments by Grade web document

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Where can we find how to interpret the scores for each item on the interim assessments?

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Where can we find how to interpret the scores for each item on the interim assessments?

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Concerned about testing fatigue for ELs with new assessments.  

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Concerned about testing fatigue for ELs with new assessments.  

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Perhaps as folks fold in ELPAC interims into their comprehensive assessment system the CDE can share sample assessment schedules that include timelines and how LEAs and teachers targeted standards and domains that can support the effective use of these great new resources to move students towards English language proficiency?

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Can a standardized ELPAC interim assessment be used for RFEP?

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Can a standardized ELPAC interim assessment be used for RFEP?

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I understand that parents can't access interim assessment materials, but do they have access to the practice tests?

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Teaching at an NPS school I find the Interim assessments very helpful and especially so using the none standardized methods shown in the video segment. Thanks for the terrific training!

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Teaching at an NPS school I find the Interim assessments very helpful and especially so using the none standardized methods shown in the video segment. Thanks for the terrific training!

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I don't know if this has been addressed yet, but when are  Interim Assessments for ELPAC scheduled to be released?

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I don't know if this has been addressed yet, but when are  Interim Assessments for ELPAC scheduled to be released?

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IABs and F-IABs focus on targets. Will we receive Target Level data on the 2023 Summative Assessments?

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Can someone make the recording of today's session available to us? There are a few sections I want to review more carefully. Finally, is it possible to access the recording of Session I?

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Will there be ELPAC ICAs, IABs and FIABs?

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Will there be ELPAC ICAs, IABs and FIABs?

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When it was shared that one interim assessment will be released per year per grade level or grade span, will those be ICAs, IABs and FIABs?

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Hi there! It looks like the hand scoring training sessions scheduled for the end of July are all at capacity. Are there alternatives for attending these math and ELA sessions? Will more sessions be made available soon? Thanks so much!

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Will there be ELPAC writing booklets for grades K -2?

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Will there be ELPAC writing booklets for grades K -2?

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When will CAST Interim Assessments be released?

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When will CAST Interim Assessments be released?

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If I do not have access to the IAIP (I am a math program specialist, providing professional learning and supporting math teachers), what should I specifically request from my district assessment coordinator?

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Are the Interim tests given through the lockdown browser like the summative test?

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I could use this resource for planning and goal setting for the class and individual student. Seeing progress or mastery toward each standard will help direct classroom instruction.
I wonder exactly how the student data is inserted into this resource?

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The resources help tremendously within the EL teachings. The collaborative ideas illicit spoken responses which is one important aspect the the ELPAC test.

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Interim Assessments and the non-standardized ways to provide assessments are super helpful for this NPS teacher. Thank you.

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Interim Assessments and the non-standardized ways to provide assessments are super helpful for this NPS teacher. Thank you.

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I looked at the IAIP at some math questions.  I would find these useful if I was creating checks for understanding, exit tickets, or formative assessment items, to make sure the problems I was using were in alignment with the targets I am aiming for.

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The sentence stems can be plugged into daily instruction so that academic vocabulary matches what students will see on Smarter Balanced Summative. It'll also help with rigor of vocabulary if the local reading program is not fully connected to end of year standards and targets.

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I like the idea of pretesting my students with a practice Interim assessment. Then, I will use the Sample Items to help prepare my students for their next upcoming Interim Assessment. I wonder if this strategy will help students understanding of the concepts.

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I would love to use these with our parent groups to help them understand the types of questions their students will be expected to answer, so that they can support their student.

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I would use the ELPAC resource to help assess where my students are and what areas they need the most work in

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Since my focus is on the interim ELPAC, I spent my time familiarizing myself with the different resources. Most covered only the ELA and math assessments. I am excited about what will be added in the future to support the ELPAC assessments.

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I could see myself using this resource to pick specific questions to address specific instructional needs (question types, specific claims, targets).

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I would use it to train and make any student feel comfortable taking this sort of test.

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I would use it to train and make any student feel comfortable taking this sort of test.

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I would you ELPAC resource to assess students and determine what areas need improvement

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I notice all of the great resources available to help us understand Interim assessments better.
I wonder how to best deliver this information to our district staff so that they can be successful utilizing all that is available.

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I am excited to start using this tool and learning the benefits of non standardized administration.

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ELPAC resources allow students to practice writing, listening, reading and listening before taking the test.

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How do the points each item is given translate into the score reported on CERS?

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How do the points each item is given translate into the score reported on CERS?

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Are there IABs for all 3 types of writing (narrative, informational, opinion) available at each grade level?

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Are there IABs for all 3 types of writing (narrative, informational, opinion) available at each grade level?

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I could see using this resource as a quick check but also an opportunity for student pairs or small groups to discuss possible strategies for addressing the problem.  They can describe their rationale to justify responses and model critical thinking with one another.

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I would have to agree that graphing is important.

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I would have to agree that graphing is important.

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I noticed the depth of information available for specific standards that will allow for supporting students learning. I wonder how best to support teachers in using these resources without overwhelming them with all of the information and how to use what is available.

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Are there IABs for all 3 types of writing (narrative, informational, opinion) available at each grade level?

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Are there IABs for all 3 types of writing (narrative, informational, opinion) available at each grade level?

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When will the IAIP have science content available?

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If I were use to use the secure material questions in my classroom, would I be able to post the example questions on my Google Classroom? My Google Classroom is only for students and myself; parents aren't invited and they don't have access to it.