Every year, California students take several statewide tests. When combined with other measures such as grades, class work, and teacher observations, these tests give families and teachers a more complete picture of their child’s learning. You can use the results to identify where your child is doing well and where they might need more support.
Your child may be taking one or more of the following California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), and Physical Fitness Test assessments. The date ranges below represent when sites are able to give the assessments per Education Code. School sites will communicate their specific testing schedules and dates with their families. Please watch for specific communications from your principal(s).
CAASPP (window open March 18th -May 24th)
Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Math
Who takes these tests? Students in grades 3–8 and grade 11 take these tests.
California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA and Math
Who takes these tests? Students whose individualized education program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments take the CAAs for ELA and Math in grades 3–8 and grade 11.
California Science Test (CAST)
Who takes the test? Students take the CAST in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, either in grade 10, 11, or 12.
California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science
Who takes the test? Students whose IEP identifies the use of an alternate assessment take the CAA for Science in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, either in grade 10, 11, or 12.
California Spanish Assessment (CSA) (Dual Immersion Programs)
Who takes the test? The CSA is an optional test for students in grades 3–12 that tests their Spanish reading, listening, and writing mechanics.
ELPAC (window open February 1st-May 31st )
Initial ELPAC
Who takes the test? Students who have a home language survey that lists a language other than English will take the Initial test, which identifies students as an English learner student or as initially fluent in English.
Summative ELPAC
Who takes the test? Students who are classified as English learner students will take the Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English.
Initial Alternate ELPAC
Who takes the test? Students whose IEP identifies the use of an alternate assessment and who have a home language survey that lists a language other than English will take the Alternate Initial ELPAC, which identifies students as an English learner student or as initially fluent in English.
Summative Alternate ELPAC
Who takes the test? Students whose IEP identifies the use of an alternate assessment and who are classified as English learner students will take the Alternate Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English.
Physical Fitness Test (window open February 1st- May 31st)
Who takes the test? Students in grades 5, 7, and 9 will take the FITNESSGRAM®, which is the test used in California.
Pursuant to California Education Code Section 60615, parents and guardians may annually submit to the school a written request to excuse their child from any or all of the CAASPP assessments. This exemption does not exist for the ELPAC or Physical Fitness Test.