California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
Summative Assessments and California Science Test
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Each year, students in grades three through eight and high school participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).
This year, your child will take the following tests:
- Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts/literacy and mathematics in grades three through eight
- California Science Test (CAST) in grades five and eight
The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments are online tests that measure what your student knows and is able to do. The tests include many different types of questions that allow students to interact with the test questions. Results help identify gaps in knowledge or skills early on so your child can get the support needed to be successful in school.
This year, the tests have been adjusted to require half the time of administration as they were in 2020-2021 and student score reports will only include an overall performance level. Schools will receive results for local use to help plan instruction for the 2022-2023 school year.
You are an important part of your child’s education. To help your child get ready for the test you can:
- Talk about the test with your child. Make sure they are not scared or anxious.
- Tell your child that you and their teacher have high expectations and are both there to help, every step of the way.
- Take a practice test with your child.
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before testing.
To learn more about the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments, go to the California Department of Education Parent Guides to Understanding web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/parentguidetounderstand.asp.
You also can look at sample test questions on the practice tests, which can be found on the CAASPP Web Portal at http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html.
If you have questions or concerns about your child(s) participation, please reach out to your child’s teacher or school site for more information.
Thank you for making sure your child is ready to test. With your help, we can ensure that your child, as well as all students in California, are provided with the best opportunity to succeed and show what they know.The CCCs identify priorities in each content area to guide the instruction for students in this population and for the alternate assessment.