The state tests explained for California parents
Each spring, California students take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP): the Smarter Balanced tests in English language arts and math in grades 3 to 8 and 11, and the California Science Test (CAST) in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school. The tests are separate from the report card and from class grades.
The state tests at a glance
- Who takes them
- English language arts and math (Smarter Balanced): grades 3 to 8, and 11th grade. Science (CAST): grades 5 and 8, and once in high school, in 10th, 11th or 12th grade. Students with significant cognitive disabilities may take the California Alternate Assessments instead.
- What they cover
- The English language arts and math tests check reading, writing, listening, research and math against California's Common Core standards, and ask students to explain their answers, not just pick one. CAST checks the California Next Generation Science Standards.
- When
- Students test on a computer in the spring. Each district sets its own dates within the window CDE announces each year. The Smarter Balanced tests have no time limit, so children can take as long as they need.
- How results are described
- Scores are reported in four levels: Standard Exceeded, Standard Met, Standard Nearly Met and Standard Not Met. Families get a Student Score Report from the school, usually by the end of the school year or the start of the next.
- Exemption
- Under Education Code 60615, a parent or guardian may ask the school in writing to excuse their child from any or all parts of CAASPP for that school year. Schools tell families about this each year. Ask your school about the steps and what your child would do instead.
- Report card link
- State test scores don't change your child's report card. They are one more snapshot for families, teachers and schools.
Dates and details change from year to year. Your school and the California Department of Education (CDE) have the current information.
How to help your child feel ready
- Keep routines simple: regular sleep, a good breakfast and a calm morning.
- Read together often, then ask your child to retell what happened and explain why.
- Encourage short daily writing: a journal entry, a note or a list with reasons.
- Practice math with real problems (shopping, cooking, travel times) as well as math facts.
- Tell your child the tests show what they know. They are not something to fail.
Practice the grade-level skills with Gradelings: 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade.
Common questions
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress is California's set of state tests. It includes the Smarter Balanced tests in English language arts and math in grades 3 to 8 and 11, and the California Science Test (CAST) in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school.
Yes. Education Code 60615 lets a parent or guardian send the school a written request to excuse their child from any or all parts of CAASPP. The request covers one school year. Your school can explain how it handles requests.
No. They are separate. Your child's report card describes learning in class through the year, using the marks your district chooses.
Standard Met means the student met the standard for the grade, and Standard Exceeded means they went beyond it. Standard Nearly Met and Standard Not Met mean they are still building those skills. Talk with your child's teacher about what the score means for your child.
Gradelings practices the math, English language arts and science skills in California's standards with kind feedback and no timers unless you want them. It isn't a copy of the state tests and doesn't predict a score.
Also see: California report cards explained and Social and emotional learning.
Ready to try Gradelings?
Curriculum-matched practice for Kindergarten to Grade 9 in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Nunavut, and in Washington, Oregon and California, with kind hints, learning games and no ads. Subscribe now, or try everything free for 30 days with no card.