Practice
SCIENCE
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2019 Released CAASPP Questions
The grade five assessment draws on Performance Expectations (PE) from grades three through five (3–5) and includes the foundational concepts that are addressed in kindergarten through grade two (K–2). The grade eight assessment draws on PEs from grades six through eight (6–8). More information about the construction of the CAST can be found in the CAST Blueprint(PDF).
Science Practice Slides
TOSA Tips
We recommend using the slides at the top of this page with explicit whole-class or small-group instruction — one or two questions or tasks per week. This will help students understand CAASPP structures, including:
✔ various types of questions they will see
✔ length and rigor of their reading passages
✔ amount of writing expected
✔ how to manipulate data tables, simulations, and diagrams
✔ how to refer to data to answer multiple questions
Integrating Assessments in the Classroom
Students will read specific academic terms on their CAASPP assessments. These words are considered essential to the construct of English language arts or mathematics. Teachers who embed these terms into their regular instruction, assessments and activities are building student efficacy.
Science Reference and Accessibility Tools
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.
Translated Test Directions
See the Printing Enlarged Science Reference Tools (PDF) quick start guide if the student requires the science reference tools to be enlarged and printed on 11×17 paper.
CAST Teacher Guide
The teacher guides help deepen the understanding of the CAST and their alignment with the California Common Core Standards. They explain how student skills and knowledge are assessed and reported through collecting and scoring evidence and provide examples of the range and types of items that appear on the assessments.
CAST Training and Practice Tests Portals
Opportunities to become familiar with the types of test questions that may appear on the CAST.
Opportunities to become familiar with the types of test questions that may appear on the CAST:
Online Practice and Training Test Portal
Provides direct access to the CAST online training and practice tests for students in grades five and eight and high school; scoring guides and rubrics also available
http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.htmlHow to Start a Training Test
Step-by-step instructions for how to access and start a training test
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/castqrgtraining.pdf (PDF)How to Start a Practice Test
Step-by-step instructions for how to access and start a practice test
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/castqrgpractice.pdf (PDF)