CA Tests

The CAASPP System

The primary purpose of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System is to assist teachers, administrators, students, and parents by promoting high-quality teaching and learning through the use of a variety of assessment approaches and item types. The CAASPP includes the Smarter Balanced assessment system for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics, the California Science Test (CAST), the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA, mathematics, and science, and the optional California Spanish Assessment (CSA).

Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for ELA and Mathematics

The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for ELA and mathematics are an annual measure of what students know and can do using the Common Core State Standards for English language arts/literacy and mathematics.

California Science Test

The California Science Test (CAST) measures what students know and can do using the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS), which focus on understanding the scientific concepts found in the life sciences, earth and space sciences, and physical sciences. These standards integrate disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts to help students understand how science works in the natural world.

The ELPAC System

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) system is used to determine and monitor the progress of the English language proficiency of students whose primary language is not English. The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards and assesses four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.