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Parent Guides to Understanding


The Parent Guides to Understanding are two-page flyers written in easy-to-understand language that answer key questions (what, why, who, how, and when) about California's assessment programs. Information is also included about how parents can support their student's success.

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress System

Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments

California Science Test

California Alternate Assessments (CAAs)

California Spanish Assessment (CSA)

English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

Initial ELPAC

Summative ELPAC

Alternate ELPAC

Other Important Assessments

Questions:   California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Office | caaspp@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-8765
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Recently Posted in Testing
  • Assessment Spotlight, Issue 384 (added 16-Oct-2026)
    California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) email update, October 15, 2026.
  • 2026 Assessment Data Release FAQs (added 15-Oct-2026)
    Frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the release of 2026 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) statewide results.
  • Assessment Spotlight, Issue 383 (added 12-Oct-2026)
    California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) email update, October 9, 2026.
  • Assessment Spotlight, Issue 382 (added 06-Oct-2026)
    California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) email update, October 2, 2026.
  • Assessment Spotlight, Issue 381 (added 28-Sep-2026)
    California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) email update, September 25, 2026.