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) tests. 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 the CAASPP assessments.
Our testing schedule is as follows:
- Monday, March 30, 2026
- Tuesday, March 31, 2026
- Thursday, April 2, 2026
CAASPP: Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (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.
- Which standards are tested? The California Common Core State Standards.
CAASPP: California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA and Math
- Who takes these tests? Students in grades 3–8 and grade 11 whose individualized education program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments, due to a significant cognitive impairment, take the CAAs for ELA and Math. Students may be accessing the alternative pathway to a high school diploma.
- 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? The California Common Core State Standards through the Core Content Connectors.
CAASPP: California Science Test (CAST)
- Who takes the test? Students take the CAST in grades 5 and 8 and 12.
- What is the test format? The CAST is computer-based.
- Which standards are tested? The California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).
CAASPP: California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science
- Who takes the test? Students whose IEP identifies the use of an alternate assessment, due to a significant cognitive impairment, take the CAA for Science in grades 5, 8, and 12. Students may be accessing the alternative pathway to a high school diploma.
- What is the test format? The CAA for Science is a series of four performance tasks that must be administered throughout the year as the content is taught.
- Which standards are tested? Alternate achievement standards derived from the CA NGSS.
How can I help my child get ready for the CAASPP?
You are an important part of your child’s education. Some things you can do to help your child are:
- Explain to your child that these tests are tools to help them learn, and they should
- not be anxious or scared.
- Remind your child that you and his or her teacher have high expectations and that you are both there to help, every step of the way.
- Explore the practice tests with your child at caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html so they can become familiar with the platform and setup of the tests.
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before testing.
To learn more about these tests, go to the Starting Smarter web page at ca.startingsmarter.org or review the Parent Guides to Understanding at cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/parentguidetounderstand.asp.
You will receive your child’s results at or before the beginning of the next school year. The results will identify where your child is doing well or needs more help, so you can better support their learning at home, and teachers can better support their learning in the classroom.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Assistant Principal Cindy Lewis at [email protected]