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California Science Test (CAST)

CA Science Test CAST

Who?:
    All students in Grades 5 and 8 take the California Science Test (CAST) unless a student’s active individualized education program (IEP) designates the California Alternate Assessments.

What?:
    The California Science Test (CAST) is part of California’s system of assessments called the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). 
    The CAST measures what students know and can do using the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS), which focus on understanding the scientific concepts found in the life sciences, earth and space sciences, and physical sciences. These standards integrate disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts to help students understand how science works in the natural world.

When?:
    Testing across Salida Union School District will occur between April 8, 2019, and May 31, 2019.  For information on specific dates and times when your child will take the test in each subject, please contact your child’s school office.

Training Tests for the CAST
•   Parents and students can log in as a GUEST and take a practice test at any grade-level.
•   Students are encouraged to take as many practice tests as possible in order to learn about the different item types and to learn how to use the computer to show work.

How Can I Help my child prepare for the test?:
You are an important part of your child’s education. Some things you can do to help your child are:

    • Discuss the test with your child. Make sure they are not scared or anxious.
    • Tell your child that you and their teacher have high expectations and that you are both there to help them every step of the way.
    • Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before testing.

Parent Guide to Understanding the CAST
•   Parent Guide -English (PDF)
•   Parent Guide - Spanish (PDF)

Understanding the CAST Student Score Reports
•   (Coming Fall 2019)

Additional Information
More information about the CAST can be found on the California Department of Education CAST Web page at California Science Test or on the CAASPP CAST Web page at California Science Test (CAST).