Practice

SCIENCE

CAST Update Flier 2021-22.pdf

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).

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: