http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/

• California Standards Tests (CSTs) are multiple-choice tests that are required for all students in grades 2 through 11. (English/Language Arts and mathematics in grades 2-11, science in grades 5 and 8-11, and social science in grades 8, 10 and 11 and writing tests for students in grades 7.) Items on these tests are developed by California educators and test developers and written specifically to assess students’ achievement of California’s academic standards. Results are reported in scale scores that correspond to five performance levels – Advanced, Proficient, Basic, Below Basic and Far Below Basic. The test is administered in late April and May.

• The California Modified Assessment (CMA) is a grade-level assessment for students who have an individualized education program (IEP), are receiving grade-level instruction, and, even with
  interventions, are not likely to achieve grade-level proficiency within the year covered by the student’s IEP. The purpose of the CMA is to allow students to demonstrate their achievement of the content standards in English–language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science.

• California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) is an individually administered performance assessment that is required for students in grades 2 through 11 with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to take CSTs even with accommodations or modifications. Results are reported in scale scores that correspond to five performance levels – Advanced, Proficient, Basic, Below Basic and Far Below Basic. The test is administered in late April and May.

• Standards-based Tests in Spanish (STS) are multiple-choice tests that are

  required for Spanish-speaking English learners in grades 2-11 who either receive instruction in Spanish or have been enrolled in a school in the United States for less than 12 months.

• Early Assessment Program (EAP) While not a part of the STAR Program, the Early Assessment Program (EAP), is available for all students in grade eleven who are interested in an early reading of their readiness for college-level work. The EAP offers an opportunity to obtain information about students’ readiness for college level English and mathematics. One of the benefits of this program is that students can earn an exemption from the CSU English and mathematics placement tests upon admission to the CSU.