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[CA] CALPADS Update Flash #302 – New Rules for Parent Info

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The California Department of Education (CDE) has revised CALPADS validation rules for collecting parent/guardian information. These updates, released in Flash #302 (May 15, 2025), aim to improve data quality, simplify submissions, and better identify students for key accountability groups like Socio-Economically Disadvantaged (SED).

Why This Matters

Parent/guardian data supports:

  • Accurate Statewide Student Identifier (SSID) matching

  • Resolving multiple identifier issues

  • Identifying foster, migrant, and SUN Bucks-eligible students

  • Determining SED group inclusion for accountability

What’s Required vs. Encouraged

Strongly encouraged fields for better data quality:

  • Guardian 1 and 2 names (first & last)

  • Highest education level for both, if available

Required if names are provided:

  • If Guardian 1 name is submitted, all three fields must be filled:

    • First name

    • Last name

    • Highest education level

  • Guardian 2 info is optional, but if entered:

    • Both first and last names must be filled (or both left blank)

    • Education level is encouraged but not required

New Validations Introduced

Parent/Guardian 1:

Error Code Description Result
SINF0453 If any field (name or education level) is filled, all 3 must be Fatal Error
SENR0453F1 Same as above, applied during Fall 1 Data Discrepancy
SENR0453E3 Same as above, applied during EOY 3 Data Discrepancy

Parent/Guardian 2:

Error Code Description Result
SINF0635 Names must both be filled or both blank Fatal Error
SENR0635F1 / E3 Same logic, for Fall 1 / EOY 3 Data Discrepancy

Old validations like “Missing Guardian Last Name” were removed to streamline logic.

Education Level Code Update

The definition of code 15 – Decline to State was clarified:

Prior New
Declined or unavailable Only declined (not same as missing)

Impact on SED Group Classification

A student is included in the SED group if:

Parent 1 Code Parent 2 Code SED Included?
14 (Not HS Grad) 14 or Blank ✅ Yes
14 15 (Decline to State) ❌ No
15 14 ❌ No
Both Blank Both Blank ❌ No

Note: If Guardian 2 is provided, Guardian 1 must also be provided.

Final Notes

  • These validations are now active.

  • LEAs don’t need to retroactively update past records.

  • Following these guidelines will help reduce errors and improve student data quality.

For more, see the CALPADS documentation and Flash #302.

Learn more about how the MeasureED Team provides CALPADS Support by connecting with a CALPADS Consultant today!