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State Test

Information will be updated as we get guidance from the state for the 2020-21 school year 
 
What is Smarter Balanced Tests?
 
Video in Spanish
 
How is this test different than the old state test?
 
  • Better Information for Teachers and Parents
    • Teachers can check students' progress throughout the year, at the end-of year test measures what students know and how much they've improved.  Learn more about the assessments.
  • Customized to Each Student: 
    • Using computer adaptive technology, the test are customized to every student.  When a student answers correctly, the next question will be harder, and a wrong answer will lead to an easier question.  This format lets students show what they know.  Check out the testing technology.
  • Accessible to All Students: 
    • All students, including students with disabilities and English language learners can take the test.  Extra features allow all students to demonstrate what they know.  Review the supports for all students.
  • Relevant for Life after High School: 
    • Students take the test online and must research, write, and solve problems.  These questions measure the critical thinking skills students need for college and careers.  Read some sample questions.
  • Useful for Improving Teaching: 
    • The system helps inform teachers' instruction by identifying where students need more support.  Teachers have access to instructional resources to support their instruction and meet students' individual needs.  Explore the teacher page.
 
What are the different test that use the Smarter Balanced System?
 
What is the test?
 
What grades is it taken??
 Content and Format Information
Smarter Balanced ELA 3-8, 11
The smarter balanced ELA test has two sections:
Smarter Balanced Math 3-8, 11
The smarter balanced Math test has two sections:
 
California Alternative Assessment (CAA) for ELA and Math.    3-8, 11 
  • Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to take the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment even with accessibility supports and whose individualize education program (IEP) indicates assessment with an alternate test for (Smarter Balanced ELA/Math)
  • The content is based on the alternate achievement standards derived from the CCSS for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.  
  • The CAAs are computer based two stage adaptive test.  They are administered to students in a one-on-one environment by a test examiner who is familiar with the student.  More information can be found on the CAA website
  • Sample Score Report
  • CAA guide for families in other langauges
California Spanish Assessment (CSA) 3-12 
  • CSA is an optional language test in Spanish for students who are seeking a measure to recognize their Spanish-specific reading, writing mechanics, and listening skills, regardless of their current enrollment tin Spanish instruction.
  • The CSA is aligned with the CCSS en Espanol.  The CSA is a computer based assessment that has accessibility resources for students. It includes technology enhanced items.  For more information is available on the CDE CAASPP webpage
California Science Assessment  (CAST) 5, 8, and 11
The CAST test has two sections:
California Alternative Assessment (CAA) for Science   5, 8, and 11
  • Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to take the CAST even with accessibility supports and whos assessment and whose individualize education program (IEP) indicates assessment with an alternate test for (CAST)
  • The content is based on the alternate achievement standards derived from the CA NGSS for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.  
  • The CAA for science has three embedded performance task administered online.  More information can be found on the CAA for science website
  • Sample Score Report
  • CAA guide for families in other languages
English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) K-12
  • The ELPAC is used to measure how well students in K-12th grade understand English when it is not their primary language.  It helps to measure students progress towards english.  It is divided into two areas: Oral (listening and speaking) and Written  (reading and writing).
  • Sample Score Report
  • ELPAC guide for families in other languages
 
How can I help my child prepare for the test?
 
prepare for test
 
 
I have my test results, what do they mean?
 
Understanding the Score Reports and Areas
 
It's natural for every student to have academic strengths as well as areas where they may need more support and improvement.  The test your child takes are meant to measure the most important skills in each subject.  For all test, the score reports are broken down into different performance areas- like reading or problem solving- to identify where your child is excelling or needs more support.
 
In order to find out more about your tests performance areas please click on the specific test below:
ela performances
 
math pe
 
alternative ela
 
 
alternative math
 
science pe
spanish pe
The initial ELPAC is used to find out if a student is an English learner who needs support to learn English, or is proficient in English.  Your child will only take the Initial ELPAC one time.  The Initial ELPAC score is divided into two different areas: oral language and written language.  These areas are combined to give an overall score.
 
 
oral language areas
 
 
written language performance areas
The Summative ELPAC score report is divided into two areas: oral and written language.  The oral language score is made up of the listening and speaking areas, and the written language score is made up of the reading and writing areas.
 
 
oral langauges
 
 
written languages