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Smarter Balanced Assessment System

Latest information about the new generation of English language arts/literacy and mathematics assessments.

Program Overview

The Smarter Balanced Assessment System utilizes computer based tests and performance tasks that allow students to show what they know and are able to do. It is based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics and has three components designed to support teaching and learning throughout the year: the summative assessments, the interim assessments, and the Digital Library of formative assessment tools.

The following links provide additional information about the program:

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) – CalEdFacts web page provides a more detailed overview of the tests.

Smarter Balanced Assessment System (PDF) an overview of the system components.

Assessment System Chart (PDF) lists the tests of the 2020–21 California assessment system by subject content, test name, test type, student participant groups, grade levels, and testing window timeframe.

California Assessment Timeline (PDF) presents the assessment administration timeline for the 2020–21, 2021–2022, and 2022–23 school years.

Assessment Spotlight web page contains archives of all previous Assessment Spotlight emails. Send a blank email to subscribe-caaspp@mlist.cde.ca.gov to receive regular updates on the latest information about the statewide assessment system.

Assessments

Summative Assessments

Interim Assessments

Tools for Teachers

Resources and Communication Materials

Summative Assessments Educator Resource List (PDF)

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Resource List (PDF)

Resources for Communicating with Parents

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium External link opens in new window or tab.

Early Assessment Program

Test Administration

Test Administration Coordination Site External link opens in new window or tab.

CAASPP Coordinator Checklist External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)

Practice and Training Tests External link opens in new window or tab.

Student Accessibility Resources

Scores and Results Reporting

CAASPP Student Score Report Information

CAASPP Results website – For directions on how to view results, go to Quick Reference Guides.

Smarter Balanced Resources

California's Test Score Guide website External link opens in new window or tab.

Laws, Regulations, and Requirements

California Education Code Section 60640 External link opens in new window or tab.

Federal Listening/Speaking Waiver (PDF)

CAASPP Regulations (DOC)

Technical Documents

Common Core State Standards

Smarter Balanced Achievement Level Setting External link opens in new window or tab.

Interpretation and Use of Scores and Achievement Levels External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF)

CAASPP Technical Reports and Studies

Implementation of CAASPP

Questions:   California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Office | caaspp@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-8765
Last Reviewed: Thursday, October 15, 2020
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