General Information
The CSTs are a major component of the STAR program. The CSTs are developed by California educators and test developers specifically for California. They measure students' progress toward achieving California's state-adopted academic content standards, which describe what students should know and be able to do in each grade and subject tested.
Visit the STAR CST Blueprints page on the California Department of Education Web site to see the CST blueprints.
Who Takes the CSTs?
Students in grades two through eleven take multiple-choice CSTs for various subjects. Students in grades four and seven complete a writing assessment—the CST for Writing—as a part of the CST for English–Language Arts (ELA).
CMA Test
In April 2007 the United States Department of Education enacted regulations for an alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards. The California Department of Education (CDE), in response to the federal regulations, is developing and will implement an alternate assessment of the California content standards based on modified achievement standards for children with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
STAR CMA Blueprints
Provides information for the CMA in grades three through eight for English–language arts, grades three through seven for mathematics, and grades five and eight for science.
STAR CMA Reference Sheets
Samples of the science reference sheets for the CMA in grade five science that are found in the test booklets.
