CAA Science

The CAA for Science is designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. This assessment measures what students know and can do in science. CAA is aligned the Science Core Content Connectors, which are alternate science standards drawn from the California Next Generation Science Standards

Students in grades 5, 8 and 11 take a CAASPP Science assessment. Students are eligible to take the CAA for Science only if it is indicated in their active individualized education program. Participating students at your site

Verify student is assigned Alternate State Assessment(s)

Illuminate Report: 2024-25 State Summative Tests: Student Assignments

Plan testing schedule; send family notification and resources

Plan with your site Test Coordinator to administer assessments within SFUSD administration window for the specific test/s

Complete and Share: State Alternate Assessment Scheduling Tool 2 weeks prior to test date (share with aao@sfusd.edu)

Send personalized notification letter for each student: 

SFUSD Template: 2024-25 Alternate State Assessments Parent Notification (copy)

Parent Notification Letters (Translated Versions)

Arabic, Chinese, Spanish,  Tagalog, Vietnamese  

Ensure examiner CAASPP/ELPAC log-ins are current

Go to caaspp.org, then click on TOMS

Click “Request one now” when prompted to sign--in 

Text Examiners must complete a training module 2023–24 CAA Test Examiner Tutorials prior to administering an assessment. 

How to Access & Use Moodle for State Testing Trainings

MOODLE KEY: CS6AF784FDE

Preview DFA, gather materials/manipulatives

Form assignments for the 2024–25 administration are available for local educational agencies (LEAs) or school by name or CDS code on the CAA for Science Form Assignments by Name or CDS Code web page.

Directions for Administration (DFAs) for the assigned forms are available starting on September 27, 2024, in the Test Operations Management System (TOMS). Take the following steps to access CAA DFAs:

1. Select the [Resources] button on the TOMS top navigation bar.
2. Select CAAs Science DFAs from the Available Materials list.
3. Select the button corresponding with the grade being tested.
4. Scroll down the page to find the form number assigned.
5. Select a PDF link to initiate the download process.

Both the student and the Test Examiner will need a computer during a test session. Students will also need their log-in ticket, with their name and SSID. Assessment sessions are untimed, and take about an hour for each performance task. 

CAA for Science is a computer-based assessment administered one-on-one by a trained test examiner who is familiar with the student and their needs. The test consists of four embedded performance tasks, administered throughout the entire school year, after the concept has been taught. Each performance task consists of a collection of activities and questions.

To start a test session:

• Go to CAASPP.org
• Click [Test Administrator Interface for all Online Tests]
• Click [Start a New Session Now]
• Select purple “California Alternate Assessments for Science”
• Filter by grade

Log-in student:

• Follow directions for logging-in to Chromebook
• Enter student name, SSID, and test session ID 
• Approve student to test
• Student begins test

Securely destroy DFA, log-in tickets, scratch paper, science and math charts, all assessment materials

Advise families how to access score report on ParentVUE in fall 2025

• Guidance on Using Eye-Gaze as a Response Method (PDF) (Updated 03/09/21)
• Available Resources for the California Alternate Assessment for Science (Posted 03/31/20)
• Alternate Assessment IEP Team Guidance Document 
• The CDE has created a robust Alternate Assessment IEP Team Guidanceweb page specifying assessment participation criteria intended to help and guide IEP teams in determining whether the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) and the Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (Alternate ELPAC) would be the most appropriate assessments for an individual student with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
• Video: How to Administer a CAA for Science Performance Task
• To access the CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides, visit the CAA for Science Administration Planning Guides web page. Planning guides are intended for use by test examiners to guide, plan, and schedule the CAA for Science  

Practice Test Link 

CAA for Science Online Practice Test Scoring Guides and DFAs web page