California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)
Who: Grades 3-8 and Grade 11
When: Spring of each year.

The CAASPP is required by state law. It is also the best, most comprehensive indicator of student achievement in Math and English Language Arts that we have.

The CAASPP will assess students on their Math ability and their English Language Arts ability by using two sections for each: The first is the “Computer Adaptive Test,” which is an advanced question and answer session using multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and other question types. The second is the “Performance Task,” which will ask students to answer a prompt or problem using an extended written response.

Once LVJUSD receives the results for every student, families will be notified of the results during the summer.

For a letter from the Director of Assessment and Accountability discussing the most recent CAASPP testing, CLICK HERE.

For information from the California Department of Education regarding the CAASPP, CLICK HERE.

Interim Assessment Blocks (IAB)
Who: Students in grades 3-11 in English and Math
When: In the Fall and Spring for grades 3-8 and in the Spring for high school students

The IABs are used to prepare students and schools for the CAASPP by acclimating students to the online medium of testing and by making sure that we have appropriate accommodations in place for EL students, and students with an IEP or 504.

The IABs are small chunks of CAASPP style tests. They typically take about 20 minutes. Some grade levels use them as assessments of student progress.

If you want to see what it’s like to take an IAB, CLICK HERE. Make sure that Guest User and Guest Session are set to "ON", then click "Sign In". When asked to select tests, choose any of the “Smarter Balanced” tests you wish to practice.

Panorama Survey
Who: Grades 4-12
When: Once in the Fall and once in the Spring

Panorama is a survey meant to assess student Social-Emotional skills as well as the job schools are doing in creating healthy social environments

Panorama asks students 5-8 questions in 5 areas, including areas such as “emotional regulation” and “teacher/student relationships.” It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.

Savvas Investigations
Who: Grades 2-5
When: Twice per year

Savvas Investigations are unit tests in math meant to measure student achievement of unit math standards.

While many teachers will use many Savvas tests throughout the year as unit tests, each grade level is required to do two of the same tests as a way to measure district math achievement on particular standards.

Common Department Finals
Who: Grades 6-12
When: At conclusion of a class

To measure required achievement of essential grade-level standards.

Currently, common finals exist in Math for all middle school classes, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.

California Science Test (CAST)
Who: Grades 5, 8, and before the end of high school (typically grade 11)
When: Spring of each year.

The CAST is required by state law in order to comprehensively assess students in their Science education.

The CAST is given in a manner very similar to the CAASPP and using the same testing website. Results are reported to families when we send CAASPP results. If you would like to see what it’s like to take the 5th grade CAST, CLICK HERE. Make sure that Guest User and Guest Session are set to "ON", then click "Sign In". This is the same practice page for other state assessments, so when asked to choose a test, select either of the CAST practice tests available.

For more information from the California Department of Education regarding the CAST, CLICK HERE.

English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)
Who: All students (TK-12) designated as English Learners.
When: Spring of each year.

The ELPAC is required by both state and federal law.

The ELPAC is given to measure the English Language proficiency progress for our students learning English. Once a student reaches Level 4 on the assessment, that student is eligible for a Reclassified Fluent English Proficient status – as long as other standards are met as well, such as good grades and proficient CAASPP scores – meaning the student is no longer designated as an English Learner.

If you would like to practice different parts of the ELPAC test, CLICK HERE. Make sure that Guest User and Guest Session are set to "ON", then click "Sign In". This is the same practice page for other state assessments, so when asked to choose a test, select any of the ELPAC Practice or Training tests you’d like to practice.

For more information from the California Department of Education regarding the ELPAC, CLICK HERE.

EasyCBM
Who: Grades K-5
When: Three times per year

EasyCBM is a short assessment we use to measure students’ progress towards reading literacy.

In the early grades, the assessment is focused on phonics concepts such as correct pronunciation of letter sounds and reading fluency. As students get older it addresses reading comprehension.

District Writing Assessment
Who: Grades 2-11
When: Once during the second half of the year

The District Writing Assessment is a locally-created measure meant to assess student achievement in grade-level writing standards. Local measures are required by state law.

The District Writing Assessment is an extended, on-demand piece of writing meant to assess how well students write complex arguments. Teachers create prompts based on district requirements and assess using the same district rubric. Students are evaluated on their organization and on conventions (spelling, grammar, etc.).

Math Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP)
Who: Grade 5 and Grade 8
When: Once during the spring, typically April

The state requires a math placement test for students progressing to middle school and high school. The MDTP is a math placement test meant to measure the level of math a student should go into as that student transitions to either middle school or high school.

For more information on the MDTP, CLICK HERE.