About the CST
What is it?
The California Standards Test (CST) is an annual exam used to measure a student's mastery of the state's grade-level academic standards. The CST is one of the five components of the STAR Program.
Which Grades and Subjects?
Students are assessed in grades 2 through 11 in English language arts and math, in grades 5, 8 and 10 in science, and in grades 8, 10 and 11 in history/social science. In grades 9 through 11, students may also be assessed in math and science, depending on course enrollment.
How is it Scored?
Students receive one of five ratings: far below basic, below basic, basic, proficient or advanced. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
About the CAT6
What is it?
The California Achievement Test (CAT/6) is a series of nationally norm-referenced tests that assess general academic knowledge in core subjects, as well as providing national comparisons. The CAT/6 test is one of the five components of the STAR Program.
Which Grades and Subjects?
Students in grades 3 and 7 are assessed in reading, language arts, spelling and math.
How is it Scored?
Students receive a percentile rank, which indicates how well they performed in comparison to their peers in other states. The goal is for all students to score at or above the national average, or 50th percentile, on the test.
