Skip to content

Welcome LEA-level Users

Welcome to CALPADS. This primer is designed to provide LEA-level users with the foundational knowledge and resources necessary to effectively navigate the CALPADS system and comply with applicable state and federal reporting requirements.

Where Do I Start?

Access to CALPADS is required. If you are the designated CALPADS LEA Administrator, a request for an LEA Admin user account must be submitted via email to calpads-support@cde.ca.gov. Upon receipt of the request, the California Department of Education (CDE) will contact you with the required application materials and instructions.

Each Local Education Agency is permitted up to two LEA Administrator user accounts. LEA staff requiring standard (non-admin) user access should contact their designated LEA Administrator, who is responsible for creating and managing user accounts within CALPADS.

Accessing CALPADS

Once CALPADS access has been granted, you may log in at https://www.calpads.org. After logging in, LEA Administrator users should verify that all required user roles have been appropriately assigned to their account.

First-time LEA Administrators who require additional guidance may refer to the login instructions available here.

Regular LEA users should coordinate with their LEA Administrator to confirm the access level and system functionality assigned to their account.

LEA Level Account Roles

LEA Administrator accounts are created by the CDE and are associated with the LEA organization type. By default, only the LEA Administrator role is assigned. It is the responsibility of the LEA Administrator to assign any additional available roles required for system access and functionality.

Refer to the User Roles table for detailed descriptions of all available CALPADS user roles.

Access to Training?

Register for Live Training

Participation in training is strongly recommended. Users must register for CSIS live training through the CSIS Training Registration website and follow the instructions outlined in the referenced image for requesting a training account.

A video tutorial providing step-by-step guidance for the registration process is available here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LhlDdrVOPZs

CSIS YouTube Channel

FCMAT/CSIS offers a comprehensive collection of self-paced training videos on YouTube, allowing users to view instructional content on demand. Click the logo below to access the channel and subscribe to receive notifications when new training videos are published.

CSIS YouTube

Staying Informed

CALPADS Listserv

Subscription to the CALPADS listserv is highly recommended, as it is the CDE’s primary communication channel for CALPADS-related information, including reporting deadlines, system updates, training opportunities, and other critical announcements.

Subscribe here: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sp/cl/listservs.asp

CALPADS Weekly Q&A

FCMAT/CSIS hosts weekly CALPADS Q&A webinars on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM. These sessions include knowledgeable CSIS client services staff and CDE representatives who respond to questions live via Zoom.

Access information for the Zoom session is available on the CSIS support page.

Which Training Do I Start With First?

Training Sequence graphic

CALPADS Orientation & Basics Training

New users should begin with the CALPADS Orientation modules to gain a high-level understanding of CALPADS and its various data submissions. This should be followed by the CALPADS Basics sessions, which cover system navigation, user account management, and the generation of reports and extracts.

For submission-specific data compliance reporting, users should then review the relevant Data Population and Reports and Certification playlists corresponding to each submission window.

CALPADS Documentation Locations

The following resources provide essential reference information related to CALPADS system functionality and data submission requirements.

System Documentation

These documents provide detailed guidance on CALPADS operations and data submission requirements.

LEA Level Report Mapping Guide

This resource assists LEA-level users in understanding and navigating CALPADS LEA-level reports.

Current Known Issues List

This page identifies the most current known defects and issues within CALPADS.

External Resources

The following California Department of Education (CDE) resources provide additional CALPADS-related information.

CALPADS CDE Home Page

The primary CDE webpage for CALPADS information and resources.

CALPADS Flash Communications and More

Contains CALPADS flash communications, system updates, correspondence, and newsletters.

CALPADS Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to commonly asked questions regarding the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).

CDE CALPADS FAQ

Additional frequently asked questions specific to CALPADS.

Race and Ethnicity FAQ

Provides guidance on federal standards for collecting and reporting race and ethnicity data.

CDE School Directory

The California School Directory contains information on public schools, private schools (including nonpublic nonsectarian schools), school districts, and county offices of education.

Support Information

The CALPADS Service Desk is available to support users with system access, navigation, and reporting questions. Please contact support if assistance is needed.