Guide to the California Modified Assessment

The California Modified Assessment (CMA) is part of the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. This test is a modified assessment for students with disabilities who have an individualized education program (IEP) and meet the eligibility criteria approved by the State Board of Education. The IEP must specifically state that the student is to take one or more components of the CMA.

All students must take the California Standards Tests (CSTs), the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA), or the CMA unless their parents or guardians have submitted written requests to their schools to exempt them from STAR Program testing (Education Code Section 60615). It is very important that all students take part in the STAR Program. Each school district and school must have at least 95 percent of its students participate in statewide tests in order to meet federal accountability requirements.

Questions and Answers About the CMA

Who takes the CMA?

The CMA is taken by special education students as specified in their individualized education programs (IEPs). Participation criteria for the CMA include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The student took the California Standards Test (CST) and scored below basic or far below basic in the subject tested, and may have taken the CST with a modification, or
• The student scored proficient or advanced on the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) Level II-V in two previous years.
• Objective evidence of academic progress (or lack of progress), based on multiple measurements over a period of time, indicates that the student will not achieve grade-level standards as measured by a proficient performance on the CSTs, even with accommodations.

A complete listing of the eligibility criteria for participating in the CMA is available on the STAR Web page.

What grades and subjects are being assessed on the CMA in 2008?

In 2008, eligible students in grades three through five may be assessed in English-language arts and mathematics. Students taking the CMA in grade five also may be assessed in science. The CMA content standards are posted on the STAR Web page.

How do schools decide if a student should take the CMA?

Each student’s IEP team decides if a student should take the CMA and which subject(s) will be tested. Parents or guardians are encouraged to participate on their student’s IEP team. School districts are required to inform parents or guardians of their student’s achievement as measured on the CMA.

What types of questions are found on the CMA?

Questions on the CMA are in a multiple-choice format. Students are presented with a question and asked to select the correct answer from three possible response options. The CMA questions are presented differently from other STAR Program tests in that the type is larger and clearer, reading passages are shorter, and more graphics are included.

What other STAR Program tests are required for students who take the CMA?

Students in grade three who take the CMA also take the California Achievement Tests, Sixth Edition Survey (CAT/6 Survey).

Do students in grade four who take the CMA also take the California Writing Standards Test (CST in writing)?

No. Students in grade four who take the CMA do not take the CST in writing.

When will I receive my student’s 2008 STAR Student Report for the CMA?

Parents or guardians should receive their student’s 2008 STAR Student Report for the CMA by the end of September 2008.

What information will my student’s report include?

The 2008 STAR Student Report for the CMA will provide a percent correct score for each subject tested.

Can students who take the CMA receive a high school diploma?

Yes. Students who take the CMA are not prevented from completing the requirements for a high school diploma. All students must meet the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) requirements to receive a diploma from a California public high school.

Using CMA Results

How will CMA results be used?

The CMA results will be used to monitor students’ academic progress. The results will be reviewed with other information about student achievement to make decisions about ways to improve student learning and school programs.

How to find out more

Please contact your student’s teacher, counselor, or school office for additional information about the STAR Program or the CMA. STAR Program resources are also available on the STAR Web page.