State Testing

State-Wide Tests Information

Every year, California students take several state-wide tests. Combined with grades, classwork, and teacher observations, these tests provide families and teachers with a more complete picture of their child's learning. The results can help identify where your child is doing well and where additional support may be needed.

Your child may take one or more of the following tests:

1. California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
2. English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)
3. Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

Under California Education Code Section 60615, parents or guardians can submit a written request to the school annually to excuse their child from any or all CAASPP assessments. This exemption does not apply to the ELPAC or the Physical Fitness Test.

Test Descriptions and Information

CAASPP: Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts (ELA) and Math

• Who takes these tests?
  Students in grades 3-8 and grade 11.
• What is the test format?
  Computer-based tests taken in class.
• Which standards are tested?
  The assessments test knowledge related to the California Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

CAASPP: California Science Test (CAST)

• Who takes these tests?
  Students in grades 5 and 8.
• What is the test format?
  Computer-based tests taken in class.
• Which standards are tested?
  The CAST tests knowledge of the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).

CAASPP: California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA and Math

• Who takes these tests?
  Students in grades 3-8 with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that identifies the use of alternate assessments.
• What is the test format?
  Computer-based tests administered one-on-one by a familiar test examiner.
• Which standards are tested?
  The California Common Core State Standards through Core Content Connectors.

CAASPP: California Alternate Assessments (CAA) for Science

• Who takes these tests?
  Students in grades 5 and 8 with an IEP that identifies the use of alternate assessments.
• What is the test format?
  A series of four performance tasks administered throughout the year.
• Which standards are tested?
  Alternate achievement standards derived from the California Next Generation Science Standards.
  
  

English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

• Who takes these tests?
  Students with a home language survey indicating a language other than English.
  Initial ELPAC determines whether students are English learners or fluent.
  Summative ELPAC is given annually to English learners until they are reclassified as proficient.
• What is the test format?
  Computer-based assessments.
• Which standards are tested?
  The 2012 California English Language Development Standards.
  
  

Alternate ELPAC

• Who takes these tests?
  Students with an IEP specifying alternate assessments, who also have a home language other than English.
• What is the test format?
  Computer-based Initial and Summative Assessments.
• Which standards are tested?
  Alternate achievement standards derived from the 2012 California English Language Development Standards.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

• Who takes these tests?
  Students in grades 5 and 7.
• What is the test format?
  The FITNESSGRAM includes five performance components:
  1. Aerobic capacity
  2. Abdominal strength
  3. Trunk strength
  4. Upper body strength
  5. Flexibility
• Which standards are tested?
  The Healthy Fitness Zones are established through the FitnessGram.