Every year, California students take several statewide tests. When combined with other measures such as grades, class work, 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 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 and 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.
Who takes these tests? Students in grades 3–8 and grade 11 take these tests.
What is the test format? The Smarter Balanced assessments are computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Common Core State Standards.
Who takes these tests? Students whose individualized education program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments take the CAAs for ELA and Math in grades 3–8 and grade 11.
What is the test format? The CAAs for ELA 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? Alternate achievement standards called the Core Content Connectors derived from the California Common Core State Standards.