Required Summative State Testing
California public school students take part in the state’s standardized assessments beginning in grade three. These assessments include a variety of approaches and item types that model and promote high-quality teaching and student learning and set a course to ensure that all California students are well prepared to enter college and careers in today’s competitive global economy.
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The CAASPP assessment system (PDF) includes the Smarter Balanced (SBAC) and California Science Test (CAST) summative assessments, as well as, Alternate Assessments for qualifying students with exceptional needs. The system includes accessibility supports so all students can demonstrate what they know. Designated Supports are available to all students as appropriate through Student Study Team (SST) process. Students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 may also be provided Accommodations for additional support.
Smarter Balanced (SBAC) Summative Assessments
SBAC includes assessments in English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics. Each assessment consists of two sections: a computer adaptive test and a performance task (PT) based on State Standards for ELA and Math. All students in grades 3 through 8 are required to participate with the following exceptions:
- Student who participate in Alternate Assessments (few students with exceptional needs)
- ELA only – English Learners who are in their first 12 months of attending a school of the United States.
California Science Tests (CAST)
California Standards-based test for Science in grades five, eight, and once in high school.
Parent Resources for SBAC & CAST Assessments
CAASPP Starting Smarter - Website to help parents understand student scores and reports, view sample test questions, and provide additional free resources to support your child’s learning.
Practice and Training Tests - Web page that allows parents and students to experience Practice and Training Tests.
Parent Guides – Two-page flyers written in easy-to-understand language that answer the key questions (What, Why, Who, How, and When) about CAASPP Assessments.
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the mandated state test for determining English Language Proficiency (ELP). Central Union School Districts administers the Initial ELPAC (TK-8) to all enrolling students who have a primary language other than English listed on their Home Language Survey (HLS) When enrolling in a California School for the first time to determine English Language Proficiency. The Initial ELPAC is administered within 30 calendar days of enrollment.
Students demonstrating English Language Proficiency are identified as Initial Fluent English Proficient (IFEP). Based on language proficiency levels, some students are identified as English Learners. The Summative ELPAC is administered annually to all English learners until they are reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP). The Summative ELPAC Assessment window is February through May.
The purpose of the ELPAC assessments are to identify students who are Limited English Proficient; determine the level of English-language Proficiency of students who are Limited English Proficient; and to assess the progress of Limited-English-Proficient students in acquiring the skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing in English.
Parent Resources for ELPAC Assessments
ELPAC Starting Smarter - A website to help parents understand student scores and reports, view sample test questions, and provide additional free resources to support your child’s learning.
ELPAC Overview Video
ELPAC Overview Video: English
ELPAC Overview Video: Spanish
ELPAC Summative Student Score Report Video
ELPAC Summative Student Score Report Video: English (Video; 6:58)
ELPAC Summative Student Score Report Video: Spanish (Video; 8:42)
Introduction to the Initial ELPAC for Parents Video
Introduction to the Initial ELPAC for Parents Video: English (Video; 5:51)
Introduction to the Initial ELPAC for Parents Video: Spanish (Video; 7:08)
Parent Access to CAASPP and ELPAC Results - (Document is also accessible above.)
Physical Fitness Testing
Each spring, (February - April) Central Union School District is required to administer the state's Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to all students in grades five and seven. The physical fitness test (PFT) for students in California schools is the FITNESSGRAM®. The main goal of the test is to help students in starting life-long habits of regular physical activity.
The FITNESSGRAM consists of six fitness areas:
- Aerobic Capacity
Body Composition- Abdominal Strength and Endurance
- Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility
- Upper Body Strength and Endurance Flexibility
- Flexibility
For 2022-23 information PFT will continue as in 2021-22:
- Body Composition component is no longer required
- The reporting of student performance using the Healthy Fitness Zones are not required
- Participation Rates will be reported on the School Accountability Report Card (SARC)
Testing Options
PE Teachers determine the Test Option to be used for each of the fitness areas. Some students may be administered a different test option from most students if needed in order for them to participate.