Schedule for Testing

Table 1 describes the schedule for administration of the Smarter Balanced and CAST paper–pencil tests for LEA CAASPP coordinators.

Table 1. Smarter Balanced and CAST Paper–Pencil Test Schedule—LEA CAASPP Coordinator
Activity Timeline
Access the Test Administration Summary in TOMS for the specific LEA testing dates. As needed
Make sure all student data from CALPADS appears correctly in TOMS and has the appropriate test(s) configured. Refer to the CAASPP and ELPAC TOMS User Guide for more information about assigning tests to students. No fewer than 15 working days before the materials shipping date
Receive paper materials from the testing contractor. 10 to 20 working days before the start of each test administration window
Take inventory of cartons. LEA CAASPP coordinators should notify CalTAC of any discrepancy in the number of cartons received. Within two working days of delivery to the LEA
Distribute materials to the test sites. Five to 10 working days before the first testing day of each test administration period
Contact CalTAC to order supplemental materials. As necessary
Ensure that student responses are entered into the DEI. Within five days of student test completion
Ship all used test booklets, used answer booklets, used and unused braille and large-print test booklets (including braille scripts and notes), and audio CDs to the Processing Center. No more than five working days after completing testing for each administration period

Table 2 describes the schedule for administration of the Smarter Balanced and CAST paper–pencil tests for CAASPP test site coordinators.

Table 2. Smarter Balanced and CAST Paper–Pencil Test Schedule—CAASPP Test Site Coordinator
Activity Timeline
Receive paper materials from the LEA CAASPP coordinator. Please note that materials must be used within three calendar weeks of when the cartons were opened at the test site. Five to 10 working days before the first testing day of each administration period
Take inventory of all materials and notify the LEA CAASPP coordinator of any missing or incorrect materials. Within two days of delivery to the test site

Distribute and collect:

  • Smarter Balanced ELA Student Answer Booklets, grades three through eight and grade eleven
  • Smarter Balanced mathematics Student Answer Booklets, grades three through eight and grade eleven
  • CAST Student Answer Booklets, grades five and eight and high school.
 Each day of testing (These are secure documents.)
Enter student responses into the DEI. Within five days of student test completion
Return all used test booklets, used answer booklets, used and unused braille and large-print test booklets (including braille scripts and notes), and audio CDs to the LEA CAASPP coordinator after all testing is complete. Two working days after completing testing for each administration period