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Resources for Communication with Parents


General Information

Parent Guides to Understanding – These guides provide parents with answers to key questions about the what, why, who, how, and when. They are available for each assessment program.

Getting Familiar with the Test

Practice and Training Tests External link opens in new window or tab. – This link accesses both the practice and training tests portal. The practice tests provide students with grade-specific testing experiences that are similar in structure and format to the summative assessments. The training tests provide students with the opportunity to quickly become familiar with the software and interface features. The training tests are organized by grade bands (e.g., 3–5).

Information About Student Scores

Starting Smarter External link opens in new window or tab. – The Starting Smarter website includes information on student score reports, sample test questions, parent-teacher conferences, and other no-cost resources in English and Spanish.

Starting Smarter Parent Informational Flyer (PDF) – This flyer provides information about the Starting Smarter website.

Volante de información para padres sobre Starting Smarter (PDF) – Este volante proporciona infomación del sitio web Starting Smarter.

Understanding the CAASPP Student Score Report External link opens in new window or tab. (Video; 0:7:53) – Video that helps families understand the CAASPP SSRs

Understanding the ELPAC Student Score Report External link opens in new window or tab. (Video; 0:6:07) – Video that helps families understand the ELPAC SSRs

Understanding the Smarter Balanced Writing Extended Response Question External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF) – This flyer provides information and definitions for parents and guardians regarding the various conditions codes that may accompany a student’s score on the Writing Extended Response item within the ELA performance task.

Early Assessment Program – Information about the Early Assessment Program which CSUs use to assess grade eleven students' readiness for college-level coursework.

Questions:   California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress | caaspp@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-8765
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
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