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CAASPP Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and answers to help California educators communicate about the Smarter Balanced Assessment System with students, parents, the media, local school boards, and the general public.

Back to California's New Testing Program

Part of a Comprehensive Plan for Student Success

California students in grades three through eight and eleven will take a new test this spring that is part of a comprehensive plan for high-quality teaching and learning in every school to prepare our students for the challenges of the future. The plan includes higher academic standards, more decision-making in the hands of schools and communities, and more resources dedicated to schools and to students with the greatest needs.

Gradually, we're providing more support for teachers, more resources for students, and more access to technology. As a result, exciting changes have begun to take place inside our classrooms. Along with reading to follow a story, students are learning to read to cite evidence and draw logical conclusions. They are learning to use math to solve real-world problems rather than merely pick out the right multiple-choice answer.

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What are the Smarter Balanced Assessments?
Why are new assessments needed in California?
How were these new assessments developed?
How are Smarter Balanced Assessments an improvement over previous statewide tests?
What will the Smarter Balanced tests measure?
What results can we expect from the Smarter Balanced Tests?
How will this system help improve teaching and learning?
When exactly will parents get the mailed results sheets for their children?
When will teachers/schools get their results?
When will the state post its official results?
Questions: Communications Division | communications@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0818 
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
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  • CAASPP Description
    This content is part of California Department of Education's information and media guide about education in the State of California. For similar information on other topics, visit the full CalEdFacts.
  • CAASPP System
    California's statewide student assessment system.
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