California Alternate Assessments for ELA and Math

Program Overview

The California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA and mathematics are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System. The purpose of the CAAs is to measure what students know and can do. These measures help identify and address gaps in knowledge or skills early so students can receive the support they need.

The CAAs are aligned with alternate achievement standards—called the Core Content Connectors—and linked to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for ELA and mathematics.

Resources and Communication Material

Parent/Guardian's Guide to the CAA

Resources for Communicating with Parents

CAA for ELA/Math Fact Sheet (PDF)

Guidance for individualized education program (IEP) teams

Alternate Assessment Decision Confirmation Worksheet (PDF)

Accessibility Resources

CAAs Performance Level Descriptors

Test Administration

Test Administration Coordination Site

Student Accessibility Resources

Scores and Results Reporting

CAASPP Student Score Report Options

Test Results for California's Assessments Website – For directions on how to view results, go to Quick Reference Guides.

Laws, Regulations, and Requirements

California Education Code Section 60640

Federal Listening/Speaking Waiver (PDF)

CAASPP Regulations

The 1.0 Percent Threshold on Alternate Assessments

Technical Documents

CAA Blueprint for ELA (DOC)

CAA Blueprint for Mathematics, revised November 2016 (DOC)

Prioritized ELA Connectors and Essential Understandings: Reading (DOC)

Prioritized ELA Connectors and Essential Understandings: Writing (DOC)

Prioritized Mathematics Connectors and Essential Understandings (DOC)