Assessment Spotlight, Issue 342

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 .

Organization of the CAA for Science Flyer

The California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science testing window opened on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. The CAA for Science consists of three embedded performance tasks (PTs), which can be administered at any time throughout the school year soon after instruction on the related content. Each PT consists of three segments, each of which includes an orienting activity followed by five questions at three levels of increasing complexity for a total of fifteen questions. Test examiners must use the script in the Directions for Administration, found in the Test Operations Management System through secure logon, to administer each PT.

For a better understanding of how the CAA for Science is organized and to view a diagram outlining the format of each of the PTs, refer to the Organization of the California Alternate Assessment for Science flyer (PDF).

For further assistance in preparing for the administration of the CAA for Science PTs, visit the CAASPP CAA web page .

Apply Now to Participate in the English Language Arts/Literacy Item Review

Smarter Balanced is recruiting educators for the upcoming virtual English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) Item Review, taking place November 19–20, 2025. During this event, participants will engage in a synchronous review of pre-field test items (questions) for ELA, evaluating them for content accuracy, fairness, and accessibility. Apply now to participate—your involvement helps shape high-quality assessments that impact millions of students nationwide and provides an excellent professional learning opportunity!

If you or educators at your local educational agency (LEA) are interested in being considered for upcoming opportunities, including item writing, item review, and other assessment activities, visit the Smarter Balanced Educator Recruitment 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.