How California CAASPP testing works
Plain-English guide for California parents and teachers: what the four performance levels mean, how Smarter Balanced and CAST fit together, what item types to expect, and how CAASPP ties to the California Common Core Standards and NGSS.
The basics
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is California's statewide accountability system. It measures students against the California Common Core State Standards (CA CCSS) for ELA and Math and the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) for Science.
CAASPP has two main pieces: the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment (ELA + Math, Grades 3-8 and 11) and the California Science Test (CAST, Grades 5, 8, and one time during high school).
Performance levels
- Standard Not Met (Level 1) — below grade-level expectations
- Standard Nearly Met (Level 2) — approaching grade-level
- Standard Met (Level 3) — at grade-level expectations, passing bar
- Standard Exceeded (Level 4) — above grade-level expectations
Standard Met (Level 3) is the passing bar. Scale-score cut scores vary by grade and subject; CDE publishes them after each administration.
Smarter Balanced vs. CAST
Smarter Balanced (SBAC) is computer-adaptive — the test gets harder or easier based on how the student answers. Each ELA and Math test includes a separate performance task (PT) done in a distinct session: students work through a multi-item scenario that integrates multiple claims.
CAST is fixed-form (not adaptive) but still computer-based. Items are built around NGSS three-dimensional performance expectations that bundle a disciplinary core idea, a science and engineering practice, and a crosscutting concept.
Item types
- Selected response — multiple choice, typically 4 options
- Multiple select — 2+ correct answers; partial credit rare
- Constructed response — rubric-graded written answers (primarily ELA)
- Equation editor — student types a math expression or equation
- Technology-enhanced — drag-and-drop, hot-spot, graphing, simulation
- Performance task — multi-part investigation (Smarter Balanced only)
Frequently asked questions
When is CAASPP given?
Most districts administer CAASPP between March and May. The testing window opens after 66% of instructional days are complete, and schools can choose a 12-week window to test within.
What are the four performance levels?
CAASPP reports four levels: Standard Not Met (Level 1), Standard Nearly Met (Level 2), Standard Met (Level 3, passing bar), and Standard Exceeded (Level 4). Scale-score cuts differ by grade and subject.
What is the difference between Smarter Balanced and CAST?
Smarter Balanced is the ELA and Math test for Grades 3-8 and 11. It is computer-adaptive and includes a separate performance task. CAST (California Science Test) is the Science assessment given at Grades 5, 8, and once during high school. CAST is computer-based but NOT adaptive — every student sees the same form.
Does CAASPP cover social studies?
No. California does not have a statewide social studies assessment. The California History-Social Science Framework sets content standards that are tested only through locally designed classroom assessments.
Is CAASPP timed?
CAASPP is untimed. Students are given as much time as they need within the school day. Smarter Balanced is typically completed across multiple sessions spanning 3-8 hours total (depending on grade and whether ELA, Math, or both). CAST sessions are typically 2-3 hours.
Which item types does CAASPP use?
Selected response (multiple choice), multiple select, constructed response (rubric-graded), equation editor, and technology-enhanced items like drag-and-drop and hot-spot. Smarter Balanced also includes full performance tasks that bundle several items around a shared stimulus.
Can calculators be used on CAASPP?
On Smarter Balanced Math: no calculator in Grades 3-5; an on-screen calculator is provided for portions of Grades 6-8 and all of Grade 11. On CAST: a basic four-function calculator is available on-screen across all grades.
Where can I find official practice items?
The California Department of Education publishes practice tests and training tests at caaspp-elpac.ets.org. Released item sets are limited; supplemental practice books cover the full depth of each claim.