Assessment

State assessments play an important role in helping schools and districts understand how well students are meeting state standards and where additional support may be needed. These assessments provide consistent, statewide measures of student learning, inform instructional planning, and help ensure accountability and equity for all student groups. Below is a brief overview of the primary state assessments administered in California, including the grade levels in which they are given.

• CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress): Measures student achievement in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics in grades 3–8 and grade 11, based on the California Content Standards.

• CAST (California Science Test): Assesses students’ understanding of the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in grades 5, 8, and once in high school (typically grade 11 or upon completion of the high school science requirement).

• ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California): Measures English language proficiency for English Learners through the Initial ELPAC (upon enrollment) and the Summative ELPAC administered annually in grades K–12 until students are reclassified as fluent English proficient.

• PFT (Physical Fitness Test): Evaluates students’ physical fitness across multiple components, including aerobic capacity, strength, endurance, and flexibility, and is administered annually in grades 5, 7, and 9.