STATE TESTING INFORMATION
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System was established on January 1, 2014. The CAASPP System replaced the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program, which became inoperative on July 1, 2013.

The CAASPP System encompasses the following assessments and student participation requirements. Information about the content and format of each test is also provided. Clovis Unified students will be taking the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests each spring. For more information on the exact dates of testing, you may contact your child’s school. 

Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics in grades three through eight and eleven.
Student Participation: All students at the designated grade levels are required to participate with the following exceptions:

• Students who participate in the alternate assessments.
• ELA only—English learners who are in their first 12 months of attending a school in the United States.

Content and Format: The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments which are delivered by computer consist of two sections: a computer-adaptive test and a performance task based on the California Content Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics. The computer-adaptive section includes a range of items types such as selected response, constructed response, table, fill-in, graphing, etc. The performance tasks are extended activities that measure a student’s ability to integrate knowledge and skills across multiple standards—a key component of college and career readiness.

Alternate assessments for English Language Arts, Mathematics in grades three through eight and eleven and Science in grades five, eight and once in grades 10, 11 or 12.
Student Participation: Students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to take the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments even with accessibility supports and whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) indicates assessment with an alternate test.

Content and Format: The content of the alternate assessment will be based on alternate achievement standards derived from the California Content Standards for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

California Science Test (CAST)
The California Science Test (CAST) is an online test based on the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). CUSD will administer the CAST to eligible students in grades five and eight and once in grades 10, 11 or 12.

State Assessments Return

Following a hiatus due to COVID-19 impacts, the California Department of Education is again requiring public schools to administer the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) as a way to evaluate student learning. Students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 will take the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) tests in English language arts and math; students in grades 5,8 and once during 10th, 11th or 12th grade will take the California Science Test (CAST); and students in Special Education who have been designated will take the California Alternative Assessment (CAA) in the same grade levels as the SBAC.

The re-implementation of the annual state assessment will aid in monitoring student progress and needs to ensure that all students leave high school ready for college and careers. The assessments will be shorter than previous years and will be computer adaptive tests that adjust depending upon a student’s answers to better reflect that student’s knowledge and experience.

The testing window is already in progress and will conclude on June 3. Families and students will be notified by their school site about assessment dates. Individual score reports will be made available through Q-Parent Connect in the fall.

More: Smarter Balanced Assessment System

Getting Ready
A child who feels comfortable and relaxed when taking exams can perform his or her best, which results in a more accurate assessment measure. Parents can help their child prepare by:

• Explaining that the tests are tools to help them learn, and there’s no need to be anxious or scared.
• Exploring the practice tests with your child here so he or she can become familiar with the platform and setup of the tests. 
• Reminding your child that you and their teacher want them to try their best and are there to help, every step of the way.
• Making sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before exam day and eats a healthy breakfast.

Learn more about the tests here.