What's New?¶
Here is a quick summary of new changes to the documentation.
SPED Data Guide¶
The purpose of this guide is to prepare local educational agency (LEA) staff to accurately submit and effectively use Special Education data within the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System. This includes program staff and subject matter experts who understand special education program requirements and rely on CALPADS data to support compliance, monitoring, and decision-making, as well as technical staff responsible for maintaining and integrating data across local systems such as student information systems, special education data systems, and human resources systems, and submitting that data to CALPADS.
New User Authentication¶
Effective during the transition window: March 10, 2026 – May 1, 2026
CALPADS is transitioning to a new User Authentication system which will require all users to acquire a new username and password. During the authentication transition window, all existing CALPADS users must create a new username ending in @calpads.org. This page will help guide users during thi sprocess.
Split File Upload Functionality¶
Integrated in File upload functionality
The Split File feature allows CALPADS to automatically partition large upload files during submission. This enhancement improves processing efficiency and eliminates the need for manual file splitting by Local Educational Agencies (LEAs).
Expanded Learning Program¶
ELP Program and LEAP File
Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, the California Department of Education introduced new CALPADS data collection requirements for Expanded Learning Programs (ELPs), including ELOP. This page provides guidance and student data population details.
Attendance Recovery¶
Attendance Recovery collection thru STAS
The Attendance Recovery (AR) program allows LEAs to offer optional instructional time outside the regular school day for TK–12 students to recover absences and generate ADA. Beginning in 2025–26, LEAs report AR participation in CALPADS through the Student Absence Summary (STAS) file using the Attendance Recovery Days field, which captures the number of days a student met minimum participation requirements, subject to defined limits and validations.