CAASPP and ELPAC Summative assessments (SBAC, CAST, CAA, Initial and Summative ELPAC) are eligible for appeal via the STAIRS process in TOMS.  CAASPP interim assessments are NOT eligible for appeal via STAIRS.


To submit a testing irregularity through STAIRS, take the following steps:

  1. Log into TOMS as an LEA or Site CAASPP/ELPAC coordinator and log into the CAASPP or ELPAC instance of TOMS at the site the incident took place.
  2. Select STAIRS from the blue navigation menu 
  3. Input the following information for the New STAIRS submission:
    • Date of Testing Incident (just enter the date on which the incident was submitted to you - no need to collect the exact date from the requestor)
    • Grade Affected (if multiple students from multiple grades are affected, just select one of the grades for entry here - has no impact on the submission)
    • Test Name (the only selection you will never select from a CAASPP TOMS STAIRS case is CSA - we don't administer that test)
    • Test Type or Domain (you will have to specify which part of the test the appeal is being submitted for - e.g. is it for the SBAC Math PT or CAT or which embedded PT of the CAA for Science)
    • Test Delivery or Score Entry (no need to adjust the default selection of "Online")
    • Select  the blue [Next] button.
  4. From the Testing Issues page, you'll have to determine which testing issue description applies.  The different issue types are:
    • Accessibility Issue: when a student starts a test with an accessibility resource that they don't want (e.g. translated test directions) or started a test without an accessibility resource they do want (e.g. text-to-speech).
    • Administration Error: in most instances, this is not a worthwhile incident to report...an example would be using the wrong DFA)
    • Administered Incorrect Assessment: likely involves administering a non-alternate assessment to a student that's eligible for the alternate
    • Technical Issues: whenever the system behaves in ways that it's not intended to
    • Expired or Accidentally Submitted test: the most common type of irregularity will allow you to submit an appeal to have an expired/accidentally submitted test re-opened.
    • Exposing Secure Materials: very rare - would involve, for instance, a student/test administrator posting secure test content onto a social media platform - will result in invalidation of the test and investigation by the CAASPP/ELPAC program
    • Incorrect SSID Used: rare but happens with kids with similar names - allows a swap of results
    • Student Cheating or Accessing Unauthorized Devices: most common case would involve accessing a phone during testing - may result in invalidation
    • Student Disruption: self-explanatory
    • Validity Issue: reporting situations where the behavior of the test administrator/student brings results into question
  5. After selecting the general testing issue category, you'll answer some follow ups - choose the most accurate choice and if you need additional details from the requestor to answer the question, reach out. Select the blue [Next] button to advance to the Student Information page.
    • On the Student Information page, enter the total number of students involved - most cases would involve one or two students. Then manually input the SSID(s) of the student(s) involved 
    • Describe the issue as best as you can -  the description should contain additional information about the case and not just restate the testing issue selected on the previous screen(s) - do not include any PII.
  6. You'll be taken to the Confirm Details page - give it a quick scan to make sure you've selected the right test type and testing issue - and note the Appeal Type so that you can inform the school what the likely result of the appeal will be. Select the [Next] button to advance to the Submit page where you'll be able to take the final step of submitting the case by selecting the blue [Submit] button.
    • Note that if the wrong test was chosen you may get the error message: There is no appealable testing opportunity for the SSID(s) associated with this STAIRS case. Ensure the correct test has been selected for incident reporting in Background Information of this case by searching, reviewing, and editing it.
      • Consult the completion status system (search by SSID) to confirm that the student(s) in question have taken the test that the school claims - if they haven't, follow up with the requestor to confirm which test the appeal should be submitted for. 
  7. Submission will auto-generate a STAIRS notification email to the LEA CAASPP/ELPAC Coordinators informing them that a STAIRS case has been submitted. At this point, the STAIRS case goes to CalTAC/CDE for review (processing times may vary depending on how much testing volume they're handling - could take a few days in May). Once the appeal's been approved, LEA Coordinators will receive notice of the appeal decision.  
    • If the test was re-opened or reset, students should have immediate access to resume or restart the test.