California CAASPP ELA and math practice for Grades 3–8 and 11, CAST science for Grades 5, 8 and high school, and official assessment guidance.
CAASPP is California's statewide assessment system. Start with your grade guide, then practice the tested subjects with hints, explanations and written-response checklists. Research reviewed October 1, 2026.
| Assessment | Subjects | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Smarter Balanced | English language arts/literacy and mathematics | 3–8 and 11 |
| CAST | Physical, life, and earth/space science; engineering integrated | 5, 8, and once in high school (10, 11 or 12) |
ELA includes Reading, Writing, Listening, and Research/Inquiry. Math includes Concepts and Procedures, Problem Solving, Communicating Reasoning, and Modeling/Data Analysis. Smarter Balanced uses computer adaptive questions plus performance tasks. CAST includes computer-based questions and performance tasks. The official assessments are untimed; school planning estimates are not time limits.
CAASPP does not have separate regular summative history/social-studies tests, a separate writing exam, or Grade 1–2 Smarter Balanced summative tests. Schools may use other classroom or diagnostic assessments.
This is independent, untimed practice using original classroom material and hypothetical data. It samples selected skills and curriculum connections; it does not cover every standard, assessment target or official item format. It is shorter than an official assessment and is not adaptive, calibrated, official released material, an official score estimate or evidence of full curriculum mastery.
ELA practice includes original literary and informational passages, listening narration with transcripts, source inquiry and written tasks. Math includes reasoning and linked performance-task scenarios. CAST practice uses evidence, models, data and engineering decisions across each science band.
ELA and mathematics connect to California Common Core State Standards. The 2023 Mathematics Framework guides classroom instruction using those standards. CAST connects to California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS), integrating science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts.
CAST Grade 5 samples Grades 3–5 science with K–2 foundations; Grade 8 samples the Grades 6–8 band; high-school CAST samples Grades 9–12. Studying only the test-year science course misses part of the assessed band.
Ask your school for its 2026–27 local testing dates and individual accessibility supports. The official assessment system chart and administration manual are maintained by the state. As of this review, their public summative scheduling information still refers to 2025–26; do not treat those dates as a confirmed 2026–27 schedule.
Grade 11 ELA/math can inform readiness through the Early Assessment Program, one of multiple measures used by CSU. Follow current institutional guidance. Florida FAST's PM1–PM3 or Reading graduation rules do not apply to these California practice banks.
Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may take the CAAs when their active IEP designates alternate assessment participation. Alternate ELA/math are in Grades 3–8 and 11; alternate science is in Grades 5, 8 and once in high school. The school and IEP team confirm participation. These regular practice banks are not CAA replacements.
Official alternate-assessment information and preparationThe CSA is an optional Spanish language arts/literacy assessment for students in Grades 3–12. The current state overview describes reading, writing, listening and speaking. Use its official grade-specific preparation materials; we do not currently provide an original CSA Spanish practice bank.
Official Spanish-assessment information and practiceELPAC measures English language proficiency for eligible students; Physical Fitness Testing is another state program. They are separate from CAASPP subject assessments.
Research reviewed October 1, 2026. Use the official practice platform for the state's item formats, tools and accessibility features. Local schools confirm testing dates, participation and individual supports.