LACOE utilizes a variety of assessments to gather data on student achievement levels in order to monitor student progress over time and to make instructional decisions in the best interest of each student.
LACOE coordinates the administration and processing of all district, state, and federally mandated assessments and provides training and support for test coordinators and administrators. In addition, we ensure the implementation of best practices as it relates to the implementation of proper protocols and procedures for test administration and preparation at all LACOE school sites.
The assessments currently in use include both state and district tools. Click on the name of the assessment below to jump to that section of this webpage.
STATE:
- California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
- English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)
- FITNESSGRAM Physical Fitness Test (CA PFT)
- High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)
DISTRICT:
CAASPP - California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
California Education Code Section 60640 established The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System beginning January 1, 2024. The CAASPP System replaces the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program, which became inoperative on July 1, 2023.
The primary purpose of the CAASPP system is to assist teachers, administrators, and pupils and their parents by promoting high-quality teaching and learning through the use of a variety of assessment approaches and item types.
- Administrators/Teachers
- CAST & CAA
- Interim/Practice Tests
- Resources/Parent Info
- FAQs
Testing for Los Angeles Ed Program school can commence as early as February 2024 depending upon the beginning of the instructional calendar.
The CAASPP administration computer-based assessments include:
- The Smarter Balanced English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics tests, the California Assessments Tests (CAST) for Science, - and the optional California Spanish Assessment.
Computer-Based Assessments
Smarter Balanced (SBAC) Online Assessments – English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and mathematics
• Will be administered as a full-length computer-based assessment
• Will consists of two sections; computer-adaptive test and performance task in each content area
• Students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 are required to participate
The following students are exempt from participating in SBAC:
• Students who participate in the alternate assessments
• ELA only – English learners who are in their first 12 months of attending a school in the United States
For more detailed information, visit: https://www.caaspp.org/administration/about/testing/index.html
Early Assessment Program (EAP)
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results for 11th grade students also serve as an indicator of readiness for college-level coursework in English and mathematics and are used by the California State University (CSU) and participating California Community Colleges (CCCs) to determine Early Assessment Program (EAP) status.
For more information, visit: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/gs/hs/eapindex.asp
CAA - ELA and Math
The California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA and mathematics are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System. The purpose of the CAAs is to measure what students know and can do. These measures help identify and address gaps in knowledge or skills early so students can receive the support they need.
The CAAs are aligned with alternate achievement standards—called the Core Content Connectors—and linked to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for ELA and mathematics.
- CAASPP fact sheet: Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments (PDF)
- CAST fact sheet: California Science Test (PDF)
- CAST Informational Video
- CAA fact sheet: English Language Arts/Literacy/Mathematics (PDF)
CAST
The statewide California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System includes federally required science assessments in grades five and eight and once in high school (i.e., grade ten, eleven, or twelve).Since the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (CA NGSS) in 2023, the California Department of Education has developed the California Science Test (CAST), which is aligned with these standards.
High school students will have only one opportunity to take a science test (i.e., in grade ten, eleven, or twelve). Local educational agencies (LEAs) can elect to administer a science test to students in grade ten or eleven. Students in grade twelve, who have not yet taken a science test, will automatically be registered to test. Students repeating grade twelve are not eligible to test.
Link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ai/cefcaaspp.asp
CAA - Science
The California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science is a part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress System. The purpose of the CAA for Science is to measure what students know and can do. These measures help identify and address gaps in knowledge or skills early so students can receive the support they need.
Only eligible students may participate in the administration of the CAA for Science. Any student identified for alternate testing takes the alternate version of all assessments. The CAA for Science is administered to students in grades five, eight, and once in high school (i.e., grade ten, eleven, or twelve). Individualized education program (IEP) teams “shall determine when a child with the most significant cognitive disability shall participate in an alternate assessment aligned with the alternate academic achievement standards.” (Title 1, Part A, Subpart 1, Sec. 1111(b)(2)(D)(ii)(I)—Every Student Succeeds Act, 2015)
The CAAs are aligned with alternate achievement standards—called the Science Core Content Connectors—and are linked to the performance expectations from the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).
Link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ai/cefcaaspp.asp
CAASPP website/TOMS portal: http://www.caaspp.org/
The Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments are part of California’s system of assessments called the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The interim assessments are optional tests that measure what students know and can do using the Common Core State Standards for English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The interim assessments are versatile and can be administered to students in either a standardized (e.g., benchmark) or non-standardized manner, or used by school and district staff for professional development. There are two kinds of interim assessments—interim comprehensive assessments (ICAs) and interim assessment blocks (IABs). More than 120 interim assessments are available for use. ICAs are built on the same blueprint as the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments. Each ICA contains approximately 35 to 45 items. IABs focus on smaller sets of targets to provide more detailed information for instructional purposes. Each IAB contains approximately 5 to 15 items.
The purpose of the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments is to provide teachers and administrators with results they can use to support teaching and learning. In addition, the interim assessments provide meaningful information for gauging student progress toward mastery of the skills measured by the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments.
Interim Assessments for CAST will be available in the Fall of 2023. This will be a fixed form assessment. The middle and high school tests will contain three interim assessments per grade band and will be organized by science domain:
- Earth and Space Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
Link: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/sbacinterimassess.asp
Practice and Training Tests are used to prepare students to participate in the CAASPP assessments. The tests help students, teachers, parents, and guardians become familiar with item types or task types of the test environment. Practice tests can be used to help assess if students understand concepts. Practice tests mimic a full-length operational test. Training tests allow students to become more familiar with the online testing environment. Training tests are shorter than the practice test and built to provide initial practice and exposure to using the available item types and accessibility resources.
Which grade levels participate in the Smarter Balanced assessments?
Students in grades three through eight and grade eleven participate in the Smarter Balanced assessments for English language arts/literacy and mathematics. Students in grades 5,8, and once in high school will be administered the California Science Test.
What are performance tasks (PTs)?
The Smarter Balanced assessments comprise two components: a performance task (PT) and computer adaptive testing items. A PT is a portion of the Smarter Balanced assessment that requires students to answer a set of questions that are centered on a common theme or problem.
When will my testing window be available this year?
The testing window is established by the LEA CAASPP coordinator according to the California Code of Regulations. You will need to check with your LEA CAASPP coordinator for the exact dates of your testing window.
California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Sections 855(b)(1), 855(b)(2), and 855(c), the rules for the establishment of the testing windows for the Smarter Balanced assessments, the CAAs, and the California Science Test (CAST) are as follows:
- Testing shall not begin until the day of completion of 66 percent of a school’s annual instructional days, and
- Testing may continue up to and including the last day of school.
When will my local educational agency (LEA) need to complete administration of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) assessments?
Pursuant to the California Code of Regulations, Title 5 (5 CCR), sections 855 (a) (1), 855 (a) (2), 855 (a) (3), 855 (b), and 855 (c), the rules for the establishment of the testing windows for CAASPP testing are as follows:
· Grades Three through Eight and Grade Eleven English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics
- The available testing window shall begin on the day in which 66 percent of a school’s or track’s annual instructional days have been completed, but no earlier than the second Tuesday in January of each year;
- Testing may continue up to and including the last day of instruction for the regular school’s or track’s annual calendar, but no later than July 15 or the next weekday following the 15th;
- A local educational agency (LEA) may establish a selected testing window of no less than 25 days within their available testing window (taking into account that the CAAs will not be available until March 20, 2017); and
- An LEA may extend a selected testing period up to an additional 10 consecutive instructional days if still within the available testing window.
· Science in Required Grades Five, Eight, and Twelve; Optional Ten and Eleven
- The selected testing window also must provide 25 instructional days for administering the California Science Test (CAST) and California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science.
Where can I find guidelines related to Accessibility and Accommodations?
Smarter Balanced has developed a set of Usability, Accessibility and Accommodations Guidelines (PDF), which applies to all students. The Guidelines provide information for classroom teachers, English development educators, special education teachers, and related services personnel to use in selecting and administering universal tools, designated supports, and accommodations for those students who need them. The guidelines are also intended for assessment staff and administrators who oversee the decisions that are made in instruction and assessment.
Who is able to set designated supports and accommodations for students in TOMS?
The LEA CAASPP Coordinator and/or test site coordinator have the ability to designate supports and accommodations for students in TOMS. Test site coordinators can only set designated supports and accommodations for students within their test site. This link routes you to a website which allows you to type your specific question: TOMS Frequently Asked Questions
ELPAC - English Language Proficiency Assessments for California
The ELPAC is the required state test for English language proficiency (ELP) that must be given to students whose primary language is a language other than English.
State and federal law require that local educational agencies administer a state test of ELP to eligible students in kindergarten (or year one of a two-year kindergarten program, sometimes referred to as “transitional kindergarten”) through grade twelve (ages 3-21). The California Department of Education (CDE) transitioned from the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) to the ELPAC as the state ELP assessment in 2018. The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards. It consists of two separate ELP assessments: one for the initial identification of students as English learners (ELs), and a second for the annual summative assessment to measure a student’s progress in learning English and to identify the student's level of ELP.
For more information, visit: ELPAC Home
- FAQs
- Resources & Links
What is the purpose of the ELPAC?
State law (California Education Code sections 313 and 60810) and federal laws (Titles I and III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act [ESEA]) require that local educational agencies (LEAs) administer a state test of English language proficiency to (1) newly enrolled students whose primary language is not English, as an initial assessment, and (2) students who are English learners (ELs), as an annual summative assessment (SA). For California’s public-school students, this test is the ELPAC.
The ELPAC is used to assess and monitor EL students’ progress toward English language proficiency. EL students continue to take the ELPAC SA annually until they meet their LEA’s reclassification criteria.
Can parents/guardians opt their child out of the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)?
No. Parents/Guardians cannot opt their child out of the ELPAC. State and federal law (California Education Code sections 313 and 60810 and federal law Titles I and Ill of Every Student Succeeds Act) require that all students whose primary language is other than English be assessed for English language proficiency. The legal basis for requiring English language proficiency testing is that all students have the right to an equal and appropriate education, and any English language limitations (left unidentified and/or unaddressed) could preclude a student from accessing that right.
Which students are required to take the ELPAC?
Students with a primary language other than English, as determined by a home language survey, who have not taken the ELPAC before and who have not been previously classified as an EL, must take the ELPAC Initial Assessment (IA).
Students designated as ELs via the ELPAC IA are required to take the ELPAC SA annually until they are reclassified as fluent English proficient.
Do we test students in year one of a two-year kindergarten program (frequently referred to as "transitional kindergarten")?
Yes. Students in year one of a two-year kindergarten program will take the kindergarten test. All students enrolled in the LEA in year one of a two-year kindergarten program, whose primary language is other than English, as determined by a home language survey, must be administered the ELPAC within 30 calendar days of enrollment or 60 calendar days prior to instruction, but not before July 1.
This link routes you to a website which allows you to type your specific questio: https://ca-toms-help.ets.org/contact/get-answers/
CA PFT - California Physical Fitness Test PFT (FITNESSGRAM)
A Commitment to Health-Related Physical Fitness
California Education Code 60800 requires each school district in California to administer a physical fitness test annually to all students in grades five, seven, and nine. The State Board of Education designated the FITNESSGRAM as the Physical Fitness Test for students in California public schools. The FITNESSGRAM is a comprehensive, health-related physical fitness battery developed by the Cooper Institute. Students who are physically unable to take the entire test are to be given as much of the test as conditions permit per the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, section 1041. FITNESSGRAM provides a number of options for each fitness area so that all students, including students with disabilities, have the maximum opportunity to participate in these tests.
- Test Content & Information
- Resources & Links
Purpose
The primary goal of the FITNESSGRAM® is to help students establish physical activity as part of their daily lives. The PFT provides information that can be used by:
- Students to assess and plan personal fitness programs;
- Teachers to design the curriculum for physical education programs; and
- Parents and guardians to understand their children’s fitness levels.
This program also provides results that are used to monitor changes in the physical fitness of California students.
FITNESSGRAM® tests the following six fitness areas. Most of these areas have several options.
- Aerobic Capacity
- PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run)
- One-Mile Run
- Walk Test (only for ages 13 or older)
- Abdominal Strength and Endurance
- Curl-Up
- Upper Body Strength and Endurance
- Push-Up
- Modified Pull-Up
- Flexed-Arm Hang
- Body Composition
- Skinfold Measurements
- Body Mass Index
- Bioelectric Impedance Analyzer
- Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility
- Trunk Lift
- Flexibility
- Back-Saver Sit and Reach
- Shoulder Stretch
The FITNESSGRAM® uses objective criteria to evaluate performance for each fitness area (e.g., body composition, abdominal strength, and endurance). The Cooper Institute established these criteria using current research and expert opinions. These criteria represent a level of fitness that offers some protection against the diseases associated with physical inactivity.
Important Dates:
Assessment Calendar: https://www.lacoe.edu/LACOE-Schools/School-Assessments/Upcoming-Events
HiSET - High School Equivalency Test
The purpose of the HiSET™ is to certify a candidate’s attainment of academic knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a high school graduate. HiSET™ scores will identify those candidates who have performed at a level consistent with high school equivalency. Information from the HiSET™ program will help identify areas in which candidates are career and college-ready, as well as identify areas where additional preparation may be needed. For more information, visit website here.
- Registration Information
- Eligibility & FAQ Links
State Requirements and Policies
In accordance with Ed Code 51420 in California the minimum age required to take the High School Equivalency (HSE) Tests is 18, unless you meet any one of the following criteria:
- You are 18 years of age or within 60 days of your 18th birthday.
- You are within 60 days of when you would have graduated from high school had you remained in school and completed the usual courses required for graduation.
- You are 17 years of age, have been out of school for at least 60 consecutive days and provide a letter of request from the military, a post-secondary educational institution, or employer that states the need for you to take a High School Equivalency Test.
- You are at least 17 years of age, have accumulated fewer than 100 units of high school credit and are confined to state or county hospital or correctional agency and you meet all of the following criteria:
- You have adequate academic skills to successfully complete the HSE Test.
- You understand the options available regarding acquisition of a high school diploma, the High School Equivalency Certificate, or the High School Proficiency Certificate, and the requirements, expectations, benefits, and limitations of each option.
- You have sufficient time left to complete the entire HSE Test while confined; however if released before the test is completed, you may complete testing at an authorized testing center.
HiSET Registration Instructions for LACOE Students
- Complete eligibility form.
- Upload form in EPIC/AERIES documents.
- Complete the HiSET Roster form that can be accessed on the LACOE School Assessments webpage.
- When needed, complete the HiSET accommodation form for ALL students with test accommodations per their IEP/Section 504 plan.
After Test Administration
Student scores sheets can be downloaded from the HiSET Portal 24 hours after test administration is complete.
- After each HiSET administration school site Test Administrators should login to download score sheet.
- Score sheets should then be uploaded or scanned to student documents using EPIC/AERIES documents.
NWEA MAP - Northwestern Evaluation Association
The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) computerized adaptive assessments give educators the information they need to improve teaching and learning. Educators use the growth and achievement data from MAP assessments to develop targeted instructional strategies and plan school improvement. Results help educators make student-focused, data-informed decisions.
Schools administer NWEA MAP assessments within 2-5 days of a student's enrollment, as a diagnostic assessment tool for course placement. Student's are also administered NWEA MAP assessments quarterly to capture student's overall performance and growth data.
- Resources & Links
Star Renaissance
Renaissance Learning products are used in our Juvenile Court Schools and County Community Schools to measure student achievement and growth in reading and mathematics. Star Reading is a computer-adaptive test that measures student achievement on reading skills. Star Math is a computer-adaptive test that measures student achievement on math skills. As a student takes the assessment, the software selects items based on the student’s responses. If the student answers the item correctly, the software increases the difficulty level of the next item. If the student answers incorrectly, the software lowers the difficulty level of the next item. By continually adjusting the difficulty of an item to what the student has shown she can or cannot do, the assessment is tailored to accurately measure each student’s level of achievement. Star Reading and Math tests consist of 34 items and generally take 20-30 minutes to complete.
- General Information & Sample Items
Star Reading is a customized reading test for students to take on a computer. The test is designed for students in grades 1 through 12 (also for students in kindergarten who have basic reading skills; students must be assigned to a grade from K–12 in order to see Star Reading when they log in). Star Math is a customized math test for students to take on a computer. The test is designed for students in grades 1 through 12 (also for students in kindergarten who have basic reading and math skills; students must be assigned to a grade from K–12 in order to see Star Math when they log in). These computer-adaptive tests choose each question from a large pool of test items, making subsequent questions more or less difficult than the prior question depending on whether the student answered the prior question correctly. The pool of test items is large, and the software tracks which questions a student has already seen, so a specific question will not be repeated for a student within a 120-day window.
Teachers can use various reports on the Renaissance Learning platform to determine the achievement level of each student and to measure growth. Students can finish a Star Reading test in fewer than 30 minutes and a Star Math test in about 20 minutes.
Computer-Adaptive Test and Scaled Score
A computer-adaptive test creates a virtually unlimited number of test forms as it dynamically interacts with the student taking the test. A scaled score (SS) is the student’s score on the assessment. It is used to report performance for all students on a consistent scale. To make the results of all tests comparable, it is necessary to convert all results of the tests to scores on a common scale. The Star Reading and Math scale ranges from 0–1400.
College Readiness (ACT Indicator) Reference Tables
