State Alternate Assessments

The California Alternate Assessments for ELA, mathematics and science are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System. CAAs for ELA and mathematics are the annual measure of what students know and can do using alternate achievement standards.  

The Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the test that is used to measure how well students in kindergarten K through grade 12, speak, understand, read and write in English when it is not their primary language.

The CAAs are measures of English language arts, math and science. 

The assessments are aligned with alternate achievement standards—called the Core Content Connectors—and linked to the Common Core State Standards for ELA and mathematics. The CAAs for ELA and math are computer-based and are stage-adaptive, adjusting the level of difficulty to the student’s performance at selected stages within the test. Student results are reported as one of three performance levels.

CAA for Science is administered to students in grades 5, 8, 11 and 12.  It is aligned with alternate achievement standards—called the Science Core Content Connectors—which are linked to the performance expectations from the California Next Generation Science Standards.

ELPAC measures proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English. The ELPAC is aligned with California English Language Development Standards.

California Alternate Assessments for English language arts, mathematics and science are administered to eligible students using the secure browser and test delivery system CAAs are administered one-on-one by a trained CAA test examiner familiar to the student, usually the student’s teacher.

Alternate ELPAC is administered one-on-one by a trained ELPAC test examiner. The test examiner works with the individual student daily and best understands how to support the student and is familiar with the student’s individualized education program.

When the IEP team decides the student should take alternate assessments, all assessments (English language arts, math, science and ELPAC) will be given in the alternate version.

At the beginning of the school year 2022-23, individual student score reports will be available to parents. Score reports include an overall score, a description of the student’s achievement level for English language arts and mathematics, and other information. Student score reports are available through the SFUSD Family Portal (ParentVue).

There are a number of ways that you can maximize your child's learning capabilities throughout the school year, which can lead to confident test-taking. Some of these strategies include:

• Assisting your child with homework and ensuring that your child is completing all homework assignments
• Helping to develop good study habits, thinking skills, and a positive attitude towards education from an early age
• Ensuring that your child has good attendance at school
• Staying in communication with your child's teacher
• Encouraging your child to read as much as possible
• Educational games and programs that your child enjoys
• Helping your child learn how to follow directions carefully