California Assessment of Student Performance & Progress
Overview
In 2015, California schools replaced their old state tests with new assessments designed to let parents and teachers know how well students are learning the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world. The new assessment system, California Assessment of Student Performance & Progress (CAASPP), includes traditional end of year summative assessments in Math, ELA and Science, but also provides extensive additional resources for teachers and parents to support student mastery of the Common Core State Standards.
Your child may be taking one or more of the following California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), and Physical Fitness Test assessments. Pursuant to California Education Code Section 60615, parents/guardians may annually submit to the school a written request to excuse their child from any or all of the CAASPP assessments. This exemption does not exist for the ELPAC or Physical Fitness Test.
The CAASPP System contains the following assessments:
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Assessments ELA & Math
These computer adaptive assessments are aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). ELA and math tests are administered in grades 3-8 and 11 to measure whether or not students are on track to college and career readiness. Tests include a variety of item types including, but not limited to: multiple choice, constructed response, technology enabled/enhanced items, and performance tasks. In grade 11, results from the ELA and math assessments can be used as an indicator of college readiness—students who score well can be exempted from placement tests at the CSU and select California Community Colleges.
California Science Test
The new computer-based California Science Tests (CAST) measure student acquisition of the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The tests are administered in grades 5, 8, and selected grades in high school. The new computer-based CAST replace the science California Standards Tests (CST). In 2018, CAST will be administered as a census field test. In 2019, the state will administer the first operational version of CAST and students who take that assessment will receive scores.
California Alternative Assessment
The computer-based California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for English language arts/literacy and math is administered to students with severe cognitive disabilities in grades 3-8 and 11. Test items are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and are based on the Core Content Connectors. The instructionally embedded, non-computer based CAA science is administered in grades 5, 8, and selected grades in high school. In 2018, CAA science will be administered as a census pilot test, followed by a census field test in 2019, and then an operational assessment in 2020.