San Diego Unified School District

This spring, students in grades 3 - 8 and 11 will participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). These assessments are essential for measuring student learning, guiding instruction, and ensuring that schools provide equitable educational opportunities.

CAASPP is a key measure of student progress, and participation is critical for several reasons:

• School and District Performance: Schools are required to meet the federal 95% participation threshold under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Low participation can impact a school’s overall performance rating.
• Funding and Resources: Nonparticipation can influence funding and affect the resources available to students.
• Data Accuracy: The more students who participate, the more reliable and complete our understanding of student learning becomes. This data helps improve instruction, curriculum, and student support programs.
• College and Career Readiness: For 11th graders, strong CAASPP performance can demonstrate college readiness and can allow students to be exempt from placement tests at California State Universities (CSU) and participating community colleges. Additionally, students who take the English Language Arts assessment and the Spanish assessment in 11^th grade can use qualifying scores to meet the requirements for the California State Seal of Biliteracy.

  CAASPP includes several assessments designed to evaluate different subject areas and student needs:

• Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC): Measures English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics proficiency for students in grades 3–8 and 11.
• California Science Test (CAST): Assesses scientific knowledge in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for students in grades 5, 8, and once in high school.
• California Alternate Assessments (CAA): Designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities, these assessments cover English Language Arts, Mathematics (grades 3–8 and 11), and Science (grades 5, 8, and once in high school).
• California Spanish Assessment (CSA): Evaluates reading/language arts skills in Spanish for students in grades 3–8 and high school enrolled in a dual language program (optional).

Testing will take place in schools from 03/02/2026 – 5/28/2026. Schools set their own specific dates.

We understand that testing can be challenging for some students. However, numerous supports and accommodations are available to ensure they can participate successfully. If your child has specific needs, we encourage you to work with their teacher or special education team to explore available accommodations.

Your child’s participation in CAASPP is valuable in assessing student learning and ensuring schools have the necessary resources to support all students effectively. Help your child prepare by discussing the test with them, addressing any anxiety, and encouraging them to try a practice test to familiarize themselves with the format and tools. Remind them to do their best, and ensure they get a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast on test day. By working together, we can help every student achieve academic success. In the event you have any concerns with the CAASPP testing process or want to request that your child be exempted, please reach out to your child’s principal.

For more information about CAASPP, please visit the California Department of Education CAASPP webpage.