A PARENT’S GUIDE TO CAASPP

(CALIFORNIA ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND PROGRESS)

Every year students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 take the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments (SBAC). Students in 5^th grade will also take a new science test called The California Science Test (CAST). These are part of our state testing system called The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). To help you understand this system a little better, we have created a simple guide for parents. If you have more questions or would like more information please contact your child’s teacher or Daniel Diego This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

	Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments (SBAC)	California Science Test (CAST)
WHO takes the test?	► Math: All students in grades 3-8 and 11 (unless they have an IEP that specifies they take an alternative test) ► English Language Arts: All students in grades 3 – 8 and 11 who have been in the United States for at least one full year.	► All students in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school (unless they have an IEP that specifies they take an alternative test)
WHAT are students tested on?	► English Language Arts/Literacy ► Math	► Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): life science, earth and space science, physical science, critical thinking, and problem solving ► A mix of content from the previous grade levels ► Claim Evidence Reasoning (CER)
HOW are students tested?	► Online ► Computer Adaptive: As students answer questions correctly, the tests get harder ► Short answer, multiple choice, and drag and drop	► Online ► Computer Adaptive: As students answer questions correctly, the tests get harder ► Short answer, multiple choice, and drag and drop
WHEN do the tests begin at COA?	► Practice begins in March ► Testing begins after Spring Break	► Practice begins in March ► Testing begins after Spring Break
WHY are students tested?	► To know if students are on track to succeed in higher grade levels ► To know if students are ready for college or careers	► To measure what students know and can do in science ► To know if students are ready for college, careers, and solving the problems of tomorrow