Dear Local Educational Agency (LEA) Representatives, 

Today, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) has been upgraded with an authentication system that will support multifactor authentication (MFA). 

This upgrade will ensure that CALPADS is in line with best practices for keeping student and staff data secure.  

Transition Window Occurs March 10 through May 1

From March 10, 2026 through May 1, 2026, all CALPADS users will be required to get a new CALPADS username and password.  

Training 

California School Information Services (CSIS) has posted two training videos on their CSIS Training Channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@CSISCALPADSTrainingChannel).  

Here are direct links to the two training videos: 

1. Short two-minute training for all CALPADS Users, other than CALPADS LEA Administrators:  
   Video Title: New Username – Short Version 
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJMRcLcm19I (YouTube video: 00:01:50)  
2. Longer training for CALPADS LEA Administrators:  
   Video Title: New User Authentication 
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGxtQ6_AhgY (YouTube video: 00:14:43) 

Additionally, below are written instructions regarding setting up your new username and account:  

First, Create Your New Username: 

1. The California Department of Education (CDE) requires that a username identifies a single individual and prohibits sharing login credentials across LEAs or creating generic user accounts, which undermines system auditability and violates both Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the California Education Code. To support unique usernames and enable CALPADS Administrators to associate users with their accounts in the event access must be revoked, the CDE recommends two practices for establishing usernames:

1. Usernames should include the individual’s first name or initial and last name, and may include the LEA’s initials (e.g., [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]).
2. Usernames must also be professional and appropriate for the workplace, as they are visible to both the CDE and CSIS.

2. Log In: Go to the CALPADS login page and sign in using your existing (legacy) credentials. 
3. Activate: On the landing page, select the button labeled Activate New CALPADS Username. (Visual users may see a light green button.) 
4. Choose A New Username: Enter your desired username. Note that all new usernames will automatically end with @calpads.org. 
5. Log Out: This is a critical step. Once you see the “success” message, log out of CALPADS entirely. Do not just close the browser tab. 

Second, Secure Your New Account: 

6. Check Your Email Account: Open your work email account and look for a message from the CALPADS [email protected] account. This will contain your new username and a temporary password. Be sure to check your spam folder as well, for this email! 
7. Dual Login Page: Return to the CALPADS login screen. You will see two options: Select the choice on the right side: New CALPADS Username. 
8. Temporary Sign-In: Enter your new @calpads.org username and the temporary password from the email message that you received from the CALPADS [email protected] account. 
9. Set Your Permanent Password: Follow the prompts to create your new permanent password. 
10. Accept the User Agreement: Review and accept the User Agreement to complete the process. 

Refer to CALPADS Update Flash #319 for Information 

Please see CALPADS Update Flash #319 sent January 26, 2026. Flash #319 is published on the CDE CALPADS web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/calpads via the Communications link. Here is a direct link to Flash #319: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sp/cl/calpadsupdflash319.asp 

Key Reminders 

• Individual Responsibility: Every user is expected to complete this process themselves.  
• Dual Access: During the transition window (until May 1st), you can still log in with your old credentials if needed, but we recommend using your new account immediately to ensure that it is working correctly. 
• The Deadline: Users who do not migrate by May 1, 2026 will lose access to CALPADS and will require LEA Administrator intervention to regain entry. 

Questions? 

For questions regarding this transition, please contact the CALPADS Service Desk via one of these 3 methods: 

1. Submit a service request via the CALPADS Service Request Form at: https://www2.cde.ca.gov/calpadshelp/  
2. Send an email to the CALPADS Service Desk at: [email protected]  
3. Call 916-325-9210 

Sincerely, 

The CALPADS Team