Assessment Spotlight, Issue 318

Focusing on the CAASPP System and English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)—and including, when timely, updates on California’s other statewide assessments. For questions related to test administration, coordination, and trainings, visit the CAASPP and ELPAC website .

May Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network Meeting

Register today on Zoom for the next quarterly meeting of the virtual Charter School Assessment Coordinator Network scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Hear assessment updates, discuss best practices of assessment coordination, and connect with other charter school assessment coordinators across the state.

We hope you can join us!

Practice Tests for the California Science Test

The California Science Test (CAST) practice tests are one of several resources available to help students become familiar with the testing interface, accessibility resources, question types, and test content on the CAST. Practice tests are available for each assessed grade or grade span (grade five, grade eight, and high school).

The purpose of practice tests is to familiarize students and teachers with the format and structure of a full-length summative assessment. Students are welcome to explore and use any of the three practice tests regardless of their current grade level. The following Practice Test Scoring Guides include the correct answers and rubrics:

• CAST: Practice Test Scoring Guide—Grade Five (PDF)
• CAST: Practice Test Scoring Guide—Grade Eight (PDF)
• CAST: Practice Test Scoring Guide—High School (PDF)

More information about the CAST practice tests is provided in the CAST Interim Assessments, Practice Tests, and Training Tests flyer(PDF). Find the CAST practice tests and supporting resources on the Practice and Training Tests web page .

California Spanish Assessment Practice Test Scoring Guides

The 2024–25 California Spanish Assessment Practice Test Scoring Guides are now available for educators, parents/guardians, and students to access. The guides are available in both in English and Spanish and can be found on the CAASPP and ELPAC website under the Practice and Training Test Resources web page .

To receive future CAASPP and ELPAC updates and notifications, subscribe to the CAASPP mailing list by sending a blank email message to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov. Are you a new subscriber? For previous Assessment Spotlight issues, visit the California Department of Education Assessment Spotlight web page.