State Testing
Every year, California students take several state-wide tests. When combined with other measures such as grades, classwork, and teacher observations, these tests give families and teachers a more complete picture of their child's learning. You can use the results to identify where your child is doing well and where they might need more support.
Your child may be taking one or more of the following (1) California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), (2) English Language Proficiency Assessments for California, and (3) 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.
Please reference the following descriptors for additional information about state-wide tests:
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?
- The Smarter Balanced Assessments are computer-based tests that students complete in class.
Which standards are tested?
- The Smarter Balanced Assessments test students' knowledge related to the CA Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics.
Who takes these tests?
- Students take the CAST in grades 5 and 8.
What is the test format?
- The CAST is a computer-based test that students complete in class.
Which standards are tested?
- The CAST assessment tests students' knowledge related to the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).
Who takes these tests?
- Students in grades 3-8 whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments.
What is the test format?
- The CAAs for EA and math are computer-based tests that are administered one-on-one by a test examiner who is familiar with the student.
Which standards are tested?
- The California Common Core State Standards through the Core Content Connectors.
CAASPP: California Alternate Assessments (CAA) for Science
Who takes these tests?
- Students in grades 5 and 8 whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments.
What is the test format?
- The CAAs for Science is a series of four performance tasks that can be administered throughout the year as the content is taught.
Which standards are tested?
- Alternate achievement standards derived from the California Next Generation Science Standards.
English Learner Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC)
Who takes these tests?
- Students who have a home language survey that lists a language other than English will take the Initial ELPAC test, which identifies students as an English learner student or as initially fluent in English. Students who are classified as English learner students will take the Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English.
What is the test format?
- Both the Initial and Summative ELPAC assessments are computer-based.
Which standards are tested?
- The ELPAC assessments test students' English proficiency based on the 2012 California English Language Development Standards.
Who takes these tests?
- Students whose IEP identifies the use of an alternate assessment and who have a home language survey that lists a language other than English will take the Alternate Initial ELPAC, which identifies students as an English learners student or as initially fluent in English. Students who are classified as English learner students will take the Alternate Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English.
What is the test format?
- Both the Alternate Initial and Alternate Summative ELPAC assessments are computer-based.
Which standards are tested?
- Alternate achievement standards derived from the 2012 California English Language Development Standards.
Who takes these tests?
- Students in grades 5 and 7 will take the FITNESSGRAM which is the test used in California.
What is the test format?
- The test consists of five performance components: (1) aerobic capacity, (2) abdominal strength, (3) trunk strength, (4) upper body strength, and (5) flexibility.
Which standards are tested?
- The Healthy Fitness Zones, which are established through the FitnessGram.