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Barstow Unified School District

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CAASPP STAFF HUB

Image featuring the BUSD logo and the CAASPP Staff Hub logo.


Resources specific to BUSD CAASPP Administration 

Access is restricted to BUSD Staff Only (Use your BUSD Login to access if prompted)  

  • Section 1111(b)(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 requires that state assessments in English language arts/literacy (ELA), mathematics, and science be administered to all public elementary school and secondary school students in the applicable grade levels.
  • In addition, Section 60640 of the California Education Code requires that CAASPP be administered to all pupils, inclusive of pupils enrolled in charter schools.
  • Ensuring all eligible students are tested is important because test results provide a clear picture of how well students are mastering skills in subjects like ELA, mathematics, and science. The results can guide instruction and highlight strengths and areas for improvement. It is also a way to determine how schools are supporting learning overall and helping to improve education across the state.
  • BUSD STAFF HUB

    as of January 12, 2026 resources from this webpage were compiled into the document above. BUSD Google access only

ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

  • CAASPP ASSSESSMENTS (GENERAL)

    Test Administrators- Must complete site trainings each year.

    • Smarter Balanced summative assessments for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics are part of CAASPP. 

    ELA & MATH WEBPAGE 
     

    • The California Science Test (CAST) is part of CAASPP.

    SCIENCE WEBPAGE

  • CAASPP ALTERNATE ASSESSMENETS (CAA)

    Test Examiners - Must complete Moodle training in each CAA subject administering every year in addition to site trainings. 

    The California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) are part of CAASPP. The CAAs are administered to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities and whose individualized education program (IEP) team has designated the use of an alternate assessment on statewide summative assessments. There are CAAs for English language arts/literacy (ELA), mathematics, and science.

    • ELA & Math Grades 3-8 & 11
    • Science Grades 5, 8 , 11 and any student in grade 12 that has not yet taken the CA Science assessment
       

    CAA WEBPAGE  
     

  • QUICK LINKS

    Test Administrator Manual(online) 

    • Procedural and policy guidance to administer CAASPP Assessments
       

    TA Manual PDF Version (SCRIPTS)  

    • Use official scripts for specific tests in each session (outlines login, scrip that must be followed verbatim for summative tests etc.) 
    •  2024-2025 version- 2025-2026 version coming soon
       

    Ta/te Checklist

    • Checklist of requirements for Test Administrators and Test Examiners. 
       

    Session Log 

    • See Site Coordinator for expected use of session logs. All session incidents whether reported or not should be documented. 
       

    Student Login Info

    • See Site Coordinator for login card process 
       

    BUSD Tech/Student Data guide

    • Guide for requirements of testing devices, materials and student data. 
       

    Electronic Sign

    • Must be displayed on interior of testing sessions and protocol to collect all non-authorized devices 
       

    Do Not Disturb Sign

    • Must be on all exterior doors during testing so as not to be distrubed 
       

    TEST ADMINISTRATOR REQUIREMENTS:

    • Test Administrator (TA) must complete site Security & Accessibility Resource training yearly
    • TA must setup their CAASPP account and log into TOMS to sign the online security affidavit at least 1 day before testing. 
    • TA must follow all security protocols (local and state security protocols ) and adhere strictly to the script during Summative administration. 
    • The Script outlines the session setup and login process- follow in EACH testing session
    • TA must have a list of all Accessibility Resources (Test Settings) assigned via Student Study Plan (SST), 504-Plan or Individualized Education Plant (IEP) and ensure they are provided either embedded in the system or non-embedded and physically provided during each applicable system. 
    • The TA must check applied settings for students that should have them during the session approval process EACH time. 
    • TA must provide ample practice and training for each student prior to summative administration. This includes training and practice on item-types testing operation, test settings etc. 
    • The TA MUST provide ample time at the end of EACH session for student to finish answering questions on the 
       

    -IMPORTANT - STUDENT TRAINING  

    • Use of Universal Tools or assigned Designated Support/ Accomodations - identify any issues & report to Test Site Coordinator 
    • Security - no talking, looking at each others screens, passing notes, no unauthorized devices. All free response items are reviewed by the State etc.
    • Explanation of the rules of testing system-
      • Pause Rules 20 minute pauses (except for PTs)  
      • Test Segments (cannot return to a segment once they advance)
    • Marking items for review- must finish answering marked items before moving onto next segment or ending the session.  
       

    ADMINISTRATION OUTLINE

    TECHNOLOGY

    • Ensure Student Technology is operable/compatible BEFORE testing is scheduled (not day of).
       

    ADMINISTRATION SCRIPTS (CAT, PT, CAST)

    2025-2026 version pending
     

    SECURITY

    ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES 

    • Ensure students are provided & assigned applicable Accessibility Resources/Test Settings BEFORE approving them in ANY session
    • For Designated Supports/ Accomodations , you must select the View (eye icon)  before approving applicable students in EACH session to verify. If they are not assigned appropriate settings, DO NOT APPROVE and report to Site Testing Coordinator.
    • Failure to do so can result in testing incident and delay students ability to test.
       

    Non-embedded resources: 

    ACCESSIBILITY GRAPHICS 
    ​​​​​​

    • Ensure students are provided Non-Embedded Universal Tools based on their preference and the test (scratch paper etc.) 
    • Scratch Paper, breaks, dictionary/ thesarus- see resource for specifics 
      ​

    PRINTABLE RESOURCES  
     

    QUICKGUIDE 

    VIDEOS

    • Starting and Stopping a Test Session 
    • SBAC and CAST Pause Rules and Stopping a Test Session 
    • Starting and Stopping a Test Session (8:28)
    • Test Security Guidelines   
       

    PRACTICE/TRAINING TEST 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).
       

    ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES WEBPAGE 

    PRIMARY STATE RESOURCE WEBPAGE-  Visit this webpage for up to date resources

    2025-2026 All students on IEP have their Test Settings automatically loaded to the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) via the Special Education Information System (SEIS). Test Settings MUST NOT be manually adjusted in TOMS for students with IEPs.

    All students on SST, IEP or 504-Plan should have Test Settings provided as outlined in their current documentation.

    2025-2026 All students on IEP have their Test Settings automatically loaded to the Test Operations Management System (TOMS) via the Special Education Information System (SEIS). Test Settings MUST NOT be manually adjusted in TOMS for students with IEPs.

    The Test Site Coordinator for the school needs to assign these settings prior to testing. Please communicate with them regarding Test Settings including updates throughout the year. 

    There are 3 ways of documenting settings so that they are appropriately applied. See your Test Site Coordinator for method used at your school.

    1. ISAAP Tool- online tool that generates student Test Settings into a template that can be easily uploaded to assign settings. 
    2. BUSD Accessibility Resource Form- BUSD form developed to communicate test settings and test assignments between staff members. THIS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR STUDENTS ON IEP- SETTINGS ARE AUTOMATICALLY ASSIGNED IN THE SYTEM AND SHOULD NOT BE ADJUSTED MANUALLY IN TOMS
    3. TOMS Template-  the Template can be downloaded straight from TOMS by the Test Site Coordinator , updated and uploaded to assign Test Settings.  
       

    BUSD RESOURCES 

    25-26 BUSD ACCESSIBILITY FORM 

    Videos

    Tools

    • ELPAC Student Needs Matching Tool (PDF) will be updated in October by CDE
    • CAASPP Student Needs Matching Tool
    • ISAAP Tool 

  • PRACTICE & TRAINING TESTS

    CAASPP webpage

    Students can take a practice or training test at school or at home in a unmonitored environment. Tests can be accessed via Secure browser or regular web-browser. 

    It is recommended that Test Administrators practice the log on and approval processes by setting up a test session in the TA Interface and the students use their login credentials to access the session via a Secure Browser in preparation for summative testing. 

    The CAA administration is one-on-one using the Directions for Administration (DFA)

    Videos

    • Using the Online Practice and Training Tests
       

    Resources

    • How to Access a Practice or Training Test (Student) 
       

    A webpage displays information about practice tests and training tools.

  • Visit the CAASPP Interim webpage for all resources

    • Interim Assessment Item Portal
      Access assessment blueprints, accessibility guidelines, scoring rubrics, and much more. View individual items and answers, or select items to create a PDF you can download and print for classroom instruction.
       
    • Interim Assessment Viewing System
      View the CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments for planning, professional development, and/or nonstandardized administration purposes.
       
    • THSS Teacher Hand Scoring Scoring System 
      Score student responses to interim assessment items that require hand scoring.
       
    • CERS California Educator Reporting System 
      Access results and reports for all CAASPP and ELPAC assessments.

    and more at CAASPP and ELPAC Interim Assessments 

    INTERIM OVERVIEW

    overview of all available interims 
     

    ADMINISTRATION 

    SEE ADMINISTRATION RESOURCES BELOW FOR SUPPORT ON ADMINISTRATION

    INTERIM ASSESSMENTS MAY BE ADMINISTERED AT ANY GRADE LEVEL AND TO ANY STUDENT.

    They can be administered in either a standardized or non-standardized way, depending on your instructional purpose.
     

    Standardized Administration
    A traditional, standardized administration mirrors the Summative testing environment.

    • Each student takes the assessment individually.
    • Testing conditions follow standard guidelines.
    • Results can be used to determine instructional next steps and monitor student progress.
       

    Non-Standardized Administration
    A non-standardized administration is more flexible and instructional.

    Examples include:

    • Students working in pairs or small groups on test items.

    • The teacher leading a class lesson using interim items (e.g., stand-alone, short response, or performance tasks).

    • Repeating interim items after instruction to check for understanding.

    • Using strategies such as:

      • Whiteboard evidence

      • Peer feedback

      • Collaborative small-group performance tasks
         

    Reminder:

     

    • Before testing, ensure the session is set up to match the administration method (standardized or non-standardized) you plan to use.
    • Please ensure the session is setup for the method you intend on administering. 
       

    INTERIM RESOURCES

    INTERIM SECURITY 

    The interim assessments are considered student-facing and teacher-facing only. This designation provides educators the flexibility to access the test questions and their students’ responses to the test questions. Teachers are encouraged to use interim assessment items during instruction, as intended. The one exception is using interims during remote instruction where educators need to manage access to interim items to only students in their classes. Only authorized local educational agency staff and students should have access to the interim assessments. Finally, interim assessment items must not be copied into third-party systems. Such activity is a copyright violation. 

    • Student information, as always, is confidential and should be treated as such. 
    • Interims are meant to be used as an instructional tool

    CALIFORNIA EDUCATION CODE SECTION 60642.7(b) PROHIBITS THE USE OF INTEIRM ASSESSMENTS FOR ANY HIGH STAKES PURPOSES SUCH AS COURSE PLACEMENT, IDENTIFICATION AS GIFTED OR TALENTED, OR RECLASIFICATIONS 

    INTERIM TYPES 

    Three panels with text and diagrams, likely related to data or software.


    INTERIM ASSESSMENT PURPOSE   
    Interim assessments inform and support teaching and learning in multiple ways. The purpose is to evaluate student knowledge and skills during the year.

    Interim assessments can be used flexibly as both assessments for learning and of learning. This means that interim assessments can be administered in a standardized manner, as a formal individual assessment, or in a non standardized manner.

    Interim assessments also offer the full range of CAASPP and ELPAC accessibility resources.

    REASONS TO USE INTERIM ASSESSMENTS 

    SOME REASONS TO USE INTERIM ASSESSMENTS INCLUDE 

    • informing progress towards mastery of standards;
    • experiencing item types; and
    • familiarizing students and teachers with the testing interface and accessibility resources.

    With the interim assessments, educators can access item-level information in the California Educator Reporting Systems (CERS).

    This includes:

    • student responses and correct answers;
    • key/distractor analysis; and
    • item information such as standard, claim, target, and depth of knowledge.

    Interim assessments are used to monitor progress and are also powerful professional-learning tools for educators.

    With interim assessment resources, teachers become more familiar with the content being assessed, the item types that students will encounter, and the rubrics or scoring criteria that will be used to evaluate their progress.​​​​​​​

  • TRAININGS 

    RESOURCES 

    TOMS 
    TOMS Resources

    • Adding/Managing Users
    • Test Assignment
    • Test Settings (Accessibility Resources)
    • Condition Codes 
       

    SECURITY 

    • BUSD SECURITY PROTOCOLS

    COORDINATOR REFERENCE


    TRACKING 

  • Whether intentional or unintentional, failure by staff or students to comply with security and administration rules constitutes a test security incident. 

    Our testing goal as District is to “reduce the chances that students testing will be interrupted or delayed were a testing incident to occur.”

    Security incidents impact student(s) performance on assessments. 

    Appeals are in place in order to allow the student opportunity to complete their assessment. 

    Follow site-protocols to document and report any incidents.  

    1. Breaches- exposure of secure materials or system risk - MUST REPORT IMMEDIATELY
    2. Irregularities- May affect student performance and validity- REPORT BY END OF DAY
    3. Impropriety- Low impact- REPORT BY END OF DAY

    All staff involved with testing has been trained in security of assessments and has a signed affidavit on file each year.

    The official Test Administrator Manual Test Security section contains overall security requirements for testing. 

    Test Site Coordinators are to provide their sites with protocols on documenting and reporting security incidents in the CAASPP STAIRS system.