- Departments
Assessment
California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
On January 1, 2014, California Education Code Section 60640 established the CAASPP System of assessments. The CAASPP - CalEdFacts Web page provides a more detailed overview of the system. For 2014–15, the CAASPP System includes the following required assessments and tools:
- Smarter Balanced Assessments – The Summative Assessments, Interim Assessments, and Digital Library are all part of the CAASPP System.
- Summative Assessments
–
In grades 3 through 8 and 11 for English language arts/literacy
(ELA) and mathematics. The Summative Assessments are administered as
part of the CAASPP System.
- Interim Assessments
–
Designed to inform and promote teaching and learning by providing
information that can be used to monitor student progress toward mastery
of the Common Core State Standards. These optional resources are
available to all K–12 teachers in ELA and mathematics.
- Digital Library
–
Consists of tools and practices designed to help teachers
utilize formative assessment processes for improved teaching and
learning in all grades. These optional resources are available to all
K–12 teachers.
- The Formative Assessment Process
(PDF; Posted 26-May-2015) – a Smarter Balanced document describing the four attributes of the formative assessment process.
- The Formative Assessment Process
- Summative Assessments
–
In grades 3 through 8 and 11 for English language arts/literacy
(ELA) and mathematics. The Summative Assessments are administered as
part of the CAASPP System.
- Alternate Assessments
for ELA and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and 11. The California
Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) for ELA and mathematics has
been eliminated. All CAPA eligible students will instead participate in
a field test of an alternate assessment to be
administered from April 15 to June 10, 2015. The CAPA for science in
grades 5, 8, and 10 will continue to be administered until a
replacement assessment is available.
- Science Assessments in grades 5, 8, and 10 (i.e., California Standards Tests [CST], California Modified Assessment [CMA], and CAPA).
- Standards-based Tests in Spanish (STS) for reading/language arts in grades 2 through 11 (optional).
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
The Smarter Balanced Assessment System utilizes computer-adaptive tests and performance tasks that allow students to show what they know and are able to do. This system is based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment System has three components designed to support teaching and learning throughout the year: the Summative Assessments, the Interim Assessments, and the Digital Library. The Smarter Balanced Assessment System Graphic (PDF) and video display the relationship between these components, the CCSS, and college and career readiness.
California English Language Development Test (CELDT)
The CELDT is administered to all students whose primary language is not English. The purpose of the test are to : 1) identify pupils as limited English proficient, 2) determine the level of English language proficiency (ELP) who are limited English proficient, and 3) assess the progress of limited English proficient students in acquiring the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/el/celdtfaq.asp
Advanced Placement (AP) Tests
AP Tests provide students an opportunity to earn college credit and/or advanced placement at more than 90% of colleges in the United States. Over 30 different course exams in multiple subject areas are available. Students may elect to take exams regardless of whether or not they have participated in an AP course.
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html
ACT
The ACT® test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
- The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
- The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
http://www.act.org/path/parent/tests/aap.html
ACT Explore
The EXPLORE® program is designed to help 8th and 9th graders explore a broad range of options for their future. EXPLORE prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post–high school choices as well. It marks an important beginning for a student's future academic and career success.
http://www.act.org/path/parent/tests/explore.html
ACT PLAN
The PLAN® program helps 10th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success and provides information needed to address school districts' high-priority issues. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years.
http://www.act.org/path/parent/tests/plan.html
SAT
The SAT is an exam that is used by college and universities as part of the admissions process. The test measures knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics and the ability to apply that knowledge. Most students with an interest in pursuing postsecondary education take the SAT while in the 11th grade. Students in grade 10 may choose to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) as a means for determining strengths and weaknesses and to help prepare them for the SAT.
Why should you take the SAT?About PSAT/NMSQT