Smarter Balanced summative assessments for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics are part of CAASPP. Students in grades 3-8 and 11 take these assessments annually.

Students in grades 5, 8, and 12 take the California Science Test to demonstrate mastery of science content standards in physical sciences, life sciences, and Earth and space sciences.

Students with significant cognitive disabilites whose individualized education plan (IEP) team determine would benefit from an alternative state assessment can use these assessments to measure proficiency in ELA, mathematics, and/or science.

Students who are newly enrolled in a California public school and speak a language other than English at home are screened for English language proficiency within 30 days of enrollment.

Students who are classified as English learners by the Initial ELPAC take the Summative ELPAC annually until they demonstrate sufficient proficiency to be reclassified as English proficient.

Alternate versions of the initial and summative ELPAC assessments are available for multilingual learners with significant cognitive disabilities.

This is a new assessment during the 2025-26 school year. All kindergarten, first, and second grade students are screened annually for risks of reading difficulties per EdCode §53008. Click here to learn more about this screener and what it means for your child.

Students participate in this physical fitness test during fifth, seventh, and ninth grades. Physical fitness is measured through a variety of metrics.

The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is an anonymous, confidential survey of school climate and safety, student wellness, and youth resiliency. Students in grades 5, 7, 9, and 11 take this survey in alternate years.