California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

On January 1, 2014, California Education Code Section 60640 established the CAASPP Assessment System. The CAASPP System includes the following required assessments: 

Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics in grades three through eight and eleven. The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments, which are delivered by computer, consist of two sections: a computer adaptive test and a performance task (PT) based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for ELA and mathematics. The computer adaptive section includes a range of item types, such as selected response, constructed response, table, fill-in, graphing, and so forth. The PTs are extended activities that measure a student’s ability to integrate knowledge and skills across multiple standards—a key component of college and career readiness.

California Alternate Assessments (CAA for ELA and mathematics) in grades three through eight and eleven. The content of the alternate assessment is based on alternate achievement standards derived from the CCSS for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The CAAs are computer-based two-stage adaptive tests. They are administered to students in a one-on-one environment by a test examiner who is familiar with the student.

California Science Test (CAST) in grades five, eight, and once in high school. The CAST includes stand-alone or discrete items and PTs. The discrete item types consist of selected response, constructed response, table, fill-in, graphing, and so forth. The PTs measure a student’s ability to integrate knowledge and skills across multiple standards through extended activities. The CAST is aligned with the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).

California Alternate Assessment (CAA for Science) for Science in grades five, eight, and once in high school. The content of the alternate assessment is based on alternate achievement standards derived from the CA NGSS. The CAA for Science is administered to students in a one-on-one environment by a test examiner who is familiar with the student. In 2018, the pilot year two consisted of three embedded PTs; in 2019, the CAA for Science field test consisted of three embedded PTs administered online; and in 2020, the operational assessment was administered for the first time. The CAA for Science embedded PTs may be administered anytime during the school’s instructional calendar.