State Assessment Resources
Parent Resource for CAASPP StartingSmarter.org
California Department of Education - NGSS Science Standards
Assessment Design - https://thewonderofscience.com/assessment-design
Short Performance Assessments - https://thewonderofscience.com/draft-assessment
Middle School Performance Expectations
High School Performance Expectations
California Science Test (CAST)
The California Science Test (CAST) is an online assessment based on the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) . All local educational agencies (LEAs) with eligible students in grades five and eight and in high school will administer the CAST operational test. The CAST operational test uses the current California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) test delivery system and will be administered online only.
Who takes the CAST operational test? The CAST is administered in grades five and eight and once to each student while that student is in high school. All students must take the CAST by the end of grade twelve, but have the option of testing in grade ten or grade eleven. Only eligible students may participate in the administration of the CAST. Students assigned to take an alternate assessment should take the California Alternate Assessment for Science.
Desmos Calculators
Students taking the CAST will have access to the Desmos calculator during the entire test. These calculators will be automatically assigned to students based on their grade level. Students can resize and reposition the calculator on the screen as needed. The Desmos calculator is free and available all year via the Desmos website, and is accessible for students using Job Access with Speech (JAWS®). Students can use this calculator during the school year to build familiarity with this resource.
Additional Resources
CAST Fact Sheet - https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/castfactsheet.pdf
CAST Informational Video - https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/castinfovideo.asp
CAST Parent Guide - https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/castpgtu.pdf
CAASPP Online Training & Practice Test Portal - http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html
How to Start a Training Test - https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/castqrgtraining.pdf
How to Start a Practice Test - https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/castqrgpractice.pdf