News & Updates

The Data Dig course is designed to support LEAs in understanding, analyzing, and using Indicator 7 preschool child outcomes data. The course includes a series of self-paced modules that focus on:

• Why and how preschool outcomes are measured
• Where to locate outcomes data for your SELPA or district
• How to interpret and make meaning of the data
• How to use data to identify areas for program improvement

Join us this fall for live, online professional learning focused on authentic use of the DRDP (2025). Through interactive webinars, participants will explore observation and documentation, evidence-based rating practices, and key updates to the DRDP. Each session blends practical guidance, reflection, and collaborative learning to support meaningful assessment practices for young children with IFSPs and IEPs.

Important update regarding the required courses in DR Access Learn:

• All courses are being updated to support the DRDP (2025).
• New required courses are coming soon.
• All assessors will be required to complete the new courses once they are launched.
• Read more...

May 2026 Connect emphasizes reflection as the program year ends, encouraging educators to consider children’s growth alongside their own practice. It also highlights upcoming DRDP (2025) webinars to support intentional next steps.

In this recorded Learn Lab session we cover the suite of DRDP reports available for special education to prepare you to use the reports for planning. Learn about the DR Access Reports website, Child Reports, Peer Reference Reports, and Guidance on using and sharing reports. (44:48)

End‑of‑year DRDP reports offer more than assessment data—they provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on each child’s development, highlight strengths and progress, and identify emerging skills. This information supports thoughtful planning and helps educators share meaningful insights with families and receiving teachers to ensure smooth, well-informed transitions.

We are pleased to announce that California's 2024–2025 State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) data are now live on DRAccessOutcomes.org. This year's release reflects updated results for Indicator of the IDEA Part B.

This year's Indicator 7 data mark a significant milestone: for the first time, children exiting from Transitional Kindergarten are included in California's reporting population.

At the midpoint of the Spring Assessment Period, this issue of Connect encourages educators to pause and review documentation that informs DRDP ratings and Indicator 7 outcomes. The newsletter highlights strategies for identifying gaps, strengthening evidence across domains, collaborating with families and colleagues, and staying grounded during assessment season.