Guide to Achievement Tests, Sixth Edition Survey

The California Achievement Tests, Sixth Edition Survey (CAT/6 Survey), published by CTB/McGraw-Hill, is a nationally norm-referenced test series that is part of the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. It is administered to students in grades three and seven and measures general academic knowledge in reading, language arts, spelling, and mathematics.

Results of the CAT/6 Survey provide a snapshot of the performance of California’s students compared to the performance of students across the nation. The content of this test reflects national standards, and the results are used as one indicator for state accountability.

Questions and Answers About the CAT/6 Survey

Who takes the CAT/6 Survey?

All students in grades three and seven who take the California Standards Tests (CSTs) or the California Modified Assessment (CMA) also take the CAT/6 Survey.

What is done to help students with disabilities who take the CAT/6 Survey?

Most students with disabilities take the CAT/6 Survey along with other students in grades three and seven under standard conditions. Some students with disabilities may require testing variations, accommodations, and/or modifications to be able to take the CAT/6 Survey. These are listed in Matrix 1. Matrix of Test Variations, Accommodations, and Modifications for Administration of California Statewide Assessments (October 2007), which is available on the Student Testing Web page.

Test variations are allowed for any student who regularly uses them in the classroom. Accommodations and modifications must be specified in each student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. No testing below a student’s designated grade is allowed.

What is done to help students who are English learners?

English learners may have test directions translated for them and ask clarifying questions in their primary language for all subjects tested on the CAT/6 Survey, including English-language arts.  English learners may be tested separately if such a setting is part of regular classroom instruction or assessment. Variations allowed for English learners are listed in Matrix 2. Matrix of Test Variations for Administration of California Statewide Assessments for English Learners (October 2007), which is available on the Student Testing Web page.

What grades and subject areas are tested on the CAT/6 Survey?

The CAT/6 Survey series is administered in grades three and seven in reading, language arts, spelling, and mathematics.

What question formats are found on the CAT/6 Survey?

Questions on the CAT/6 Survey are in a multiple-choice format. Students are presented with a question and asked to select the correct answer from four or five possible choices. Students mark their answer choices in the test booklet for grade three and on an answer document for grade seven.

How to find out more

Please contact your student’s teacher, counselor, or school office. You also can find answers to your questions about the CAT/6 Survey on the STAR Web page, or on the CTB/McGraw-Hill Web site (Outside Source).