Common Core Assessments
For the 2016-2017 school year, AUSD students will be participating in the new "Smarter Balanced Assessments" (or "Common Core tests") from March to May. (Each school site will develop its own testing schedule within this time frame.) These computer-based assessments measure students' proficiency with California’s Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics for grades 3-8 and 11.
The California Department of Education (CDE) will release the results of this testing to school districts across the state in the late summer. Once AUSD has received the individual student reports, we will send them out to families.
This year students in grades 5, 8 and 10 will also take a pilot test of the new California Science Test (CAST). This test will not be scored.
You can find parent notifications about the testing to the right.
"Frequently Asked Questions" provides information on how the tests were developed, what they measure, and how results are used. You can also find more information on the Common Core curriculum on our "Common Core State Standards" page.
For 2016-2017, students will be taking the CAT (Computer Adaptive Testing) and PT (Performance Task) components. The state has discontinued the Classroom Activities component.
Three Primary Components of CAASPP (PDF)
Smarter Balanced Systems Graphic (PDF)
CAASPP Scale Score Ranges (PDF)
Parent Notification Letters
- Parent Notification in English (PDF)
- Parent Notification in Spanish (PDF)
- Parent Notification in Cantonese (PDF)
- 11th Grade Parent Notification (Early Assessment Program) in English (PDF)
- 11th Grade Parent Notification (Early Assessment Program) in Cantonese (PDF)
Testing Opt Out Information
In English:
California Department of Education: "Understanding Your Child's Score Report"
Samples of 2016-2017 Student Score Reports (PDF)
CAASPP.org: "Take a Practice Test"
CAASPP.org: Parent Guides to the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment:
California PTA: "Sample Student Score Report"
Great Schools: "State Test Guide for Parents"
In Spanish:
California Department of Education: "Entendiendo el Reporte de Calificaciones Individual de CAASPP del Estudiante"
Three Components of CAASPP (PDF)
In Cantonese:
Three Components of CAAASP (PDF)
Talk with Your Child's Teachers About CAASPP (PDF)
California Department of Education: "Parent and Teacher Conversations About CAASPP (PDF)"
