implications of the CA NGSS and CAST training test items for improved teaching and learning. In addition, content from this CAST Academy will be repeated again at the California Science Education Conference. This conference is hosted by the California Science Teachers Association and will be held in Pasadena, California, from November 30 through December 2, 2018. Science Preliminary Indicator Toolkit For this year’s administration of the science assessments, LEAs will receive student Preliminary Indicator results, specifically the percent correct and an indicator category. As with all assessments, these Preliminary Indicators are one of many sources of information about a student’s knowledge, and given the preliminary nature of the results, provides only a snapshot of what students know about the new science standards. The CDE has developed a Preliminary Indicator Communication Toolkit for the Science Assessments to aid LEA communication about the preliminary indicators. The CDE sought the assistance of numerous stakeholder groups to assist in the review of the toolkit. The CDE wishes to thank the following groups for their input in the development of these resources: California Science Teachers Association California Teachers Association California Parent Teacher Association California School Boards Association Association of California School Administrators California Small School District Association California County Superintendents Educational Services Association Special Education Local Plan Area Association Regional Assessment Network of the Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee The Preliminary Indicator Communication Toolkit for the Science Assessments, located on the CDE CAASPP Web page at , includes the following resources: Background information Timeline of the CAST and CAA for Science reporting activities
Attachment 1: Outreach and Professional Development Activities The California Department of Education (CDE), in coordination with California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) contractors, has provided a variety of outreach activities, including in-person workshops, focus group meetings, and presentations throughout the state to prepare local educational agencies for the administration of the CAASPP System. In addition, the CDE continues to release information regarding the CAASPP System, including weekly updates, on its Web site and through listserv e-mail. The following tables provide descriptions of outreach and professional development activities during March and April 2018. Table 1. Trainings Date(s) Location Estimated Number of Attendees Description 4/23 Sacramento 580 California Science Test (CAST) Academy. The CAST Academy offered participants a training opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the assessment design and expectations of the CAST. 4/25 Fresno 86 (excludes virtual) CAST Academy. The CAST Academy offered participants a training opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the assessment design and expectations of the CAST. 4/26 Irvine 100 (excludes virtual) CAST Academy. The CAST Academy offered participants a training opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the assessment design and expectations of the CAST.