CAASPP flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

ELA CAT

The computer adaptive portion of the Smarter Balanced ELA summative test, covering reading, listening, and research items. Item difficulty adjusts to the student's estimated ability after each response.

ELA performance task

A multi-part ELA task with a classroom activity, source texts, and a full-write essay. It measures research and writing skills that a selected-response test cannot capture.

Evidence-based selected response

A two-part ELA item in which the student first answers a question about a text and then selects the sentence or sentences that support the answer.

ELA achievement levels

Four levels: Standard Not Met, Standard Nearly Met, Standard Met, and Standard Exceeded. Level 3 or above indicates the student met the grade-level standard.

Designated support

An accessibility resource assigned by an educator to a student who needs it, such as a glossary or read-aloud. It differs from a universal tool available to all.

Math concepts claim

The Smarter Balanced mathematics claim covering procedural skill, fluency, and conceptual understanding. It is primarily measured by the computer adaptive test section.

Math performance task

A multi-step mathematics scenario requiring students to model, solve, and explain. Responses are scored by human raters using a rubric.

Equation/numeric entry item

A technology-enhanced mathematics item in which the student types an equation or number rather than selecting from options. The system scores the response automatically.

Math calculator policy

No calculator for grades 3-5. A scientific calculator is available as a universal tool for grades 6-8 and 11, with a graphing calculator designated for grade 11.

Math reference sheet

A formula and conversion sheet provided as a universal tool during the mathematics test. Its contents vary by grade band and include area, volume, and conversion formulas.

CAST grade levels

The California Science Test is administered in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school. It is aligned to the California Next Generation Science Standards.

CAST reporting claims

The CAST reports separate claims for disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and a composite score.

Three-dimensional science

The CAST design combining disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts in each item or task, as required by the CA NGSS.

CAST constructed response

An open-ended science item scored with a rubric that rewards accurate explanation, use of evidence, and application of science practices rather than recall alone.

CAA eligibility

The student has a significant cognitive disability, receives instruction in a substantially modified curriculum, and the IEP team documents the decision to use the alternate assessment.

CAA grade levels

CAA for ELA and mathematics are given in grades 3-8 and 11. CAA for Science is given in grades 5, 8, and once in high school.

Core Content Connectors

Documents that link the California Alternate Content Standards to grade-level standards. They define the content assessed by the California Alternate Assessments.

CAA test examiner

The trained staff member who administers the alternate assessment one-on-one, observes student performance, and records scores using the provided rubric.

CAA science performance task

A hands-on or structured science task with an embedded rubric. It is administered across the year and scored on science practices rather than a single end-of-year test.

CSA purpose

A voluntary Spanish reading/language arts assessment for grades 3-8 and high school. It measures Spanish literacy for students in Spanish-language or dual-immersion programs.

CSA performance levels

Three levels are reported: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 3 indicates the student met the standard on the California Spanish Assessment.

CSA standards alignment

The California Spanish Assessment is aligned to the California Common Core State Standards en Español, covering Spanish reading, writing, and listening/speaking.

CSA vs ELPAC

The CSA measures Spanish literacy and is voluntary. The ELPAC measures English language proficiency and is required for English learners. They serve different purposes.

Initial ELPAC

The test given to students whose Home Language Survey indicates a language other than English. It determines whether a student is identified as an English learner.

Initial ELPAC levels

Three overall performance levels: Novice, Intermediate, and Fluent English Proficient. Only the Fluent English Proficient result means the student is not an English learner.

Summative ELPAC

The annual English language proficiency test for identified English learners in grades K-12. It reports four domain scores and an overall score from 1 to 4.

ELPAC domain weights

Reading and writing carry greater weight in the overall score for grades 2-12. Listening and speaking are weighted more heavily in kindergarten.

Alternate ELPAC

An ELPAC variant for English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities. It is based on the Alternate ELP Standards and administered one-on-one with observation-based scoring.

ELPAC reclassification

The process for exiting English learner status. It typically requires an overall ELPAC score of 4 plus teacher evaluation, parent consultation, and local academic measures.

Interim Comprehensive Assessment

An optional Smarter Balanced interim test that mirrors the summative blueprint. It provides a full-year check on ELA or mathematics standards without state reporting.

Interim Assessment Block

A short optional interim test targeting a specific content cluster, such as reading informational text or fractions. Blocks can be given flexibly throughout the year.

Interim assessment use

Interim results inform local instruction and are not reported to the state or used for accountability. They can be administered at any point in the school year.

ELPAC interim assessments

Optional local tools covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They help monitor English language development between the annual summative ELPAC windows.