CAASPP / CAST / ELPAC

English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

Testing Dates: February 1–May 28, 2027

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) are administered to students whose primary language is not English. The ELPAC measures students’ English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

There are two types of ELPAC assessments:

• Initial ELPAC: Administered when a student first enrolls in a California public school and identifies a language other than English as their primary language.
• Summative ELPAC: Administered annually to measure students’ progress in developing English language proficiency.

Students will be assessed throughout the testing dates in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

CAASPP Mathematics Assessment

Testing Dates: April 26–27 and April 29–30, 2027

The CAASPP Mathematics assessment is administered to all 11th-grade students as part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) system. This assessment evaluates students’ abilities in mathematical reasoning, problem-solving, procedural fluency, and real-world application of math concepts.

The assessment consists of two parts:
Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT): Adjusts question difficulty based on the student’s performance.
Performance Task (PT): Requires students to apply mathematical knowledge to solve complex, real-world problems.

Students will test during their regularly scheduled Math class. Students who are not currently enrolled in a Math class will test during one of their elective periods under the supervision of a testing proctor.

Results are used to measure college and career readiness and may be considered by some California State University (CSU) campuses and community colleges to determine placement in college-level math courses.

CAASPP English Language Arts (ELA) Assessment

Testing Dates: April 19–20 and April 22–23, 2027

The CAASPP English Language Arts (ELA) assessment is administered to all 11th-grade students. It is a state-mandated assessment designed to measure students’ proficiency in English Language Arts according to California’s Common Core State Standards.

The exam is computer-based and includes multiple-choice questions, short responses, and a Performance Task (PT). The Performance Task requires students to read several sources and write a well-organized essay based on a given prompt.

Students will test during their regularly scheduled English class. Students who are not currently enrolled in an English class will be assigned a testing period during one of their elective classes under the supervision of a testing proctor.

Performance on this assessment helps determine whether students are on track for college and career readiness. Scores may also be used by some California colleges to determine placement in college-level English courses.

California Science Test (CAST)

Testing Dates: April 29–30, 2027

The California Science Test (CAST) is a state assessment administered to all 10th-grade students, as well as 11th- and 12th-grade students who did not previously take the CAST in high school.

The CAST measures how well students understand important science concepts based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which establish expectations for what students should know and be able to do in science.

The assessment covers key areas including:

• Life Sciences: Biology and living organisms
• Physical Sciences: Physics and chemistry
• Earth and Space Sciences: Geology, weather, and space
• Engineering and Technology: Applying science to solve problems

Students will test during their scheduled Science class. Students who are not currently enrolled in a Science class will take the assessment during one of their elective classes under the supervision of a testing proctor.

CAST results help schools and teachers understand how well students are learning science. The results can guide educators in improving instructional practices and identifying areas where students may need additional support.