Principal’s Message

State Testing Update

  Monterey Peninsula Unified School District March 2026

  Dear Parent/Guardian:

  Students across California will be taking several mandated statewide tests. These tests provide parents/guardians, teachers, and educators with information about how well students are learning, and becoming college and career ready. At the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, these test scores are just one of multiple measures in which we use to evaluate student progress. Provided below are the various mandatory assessments that will be administered this spring.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Assessments

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) computer adaptive assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics tests are administered in grades three through eight, and 11 to measure whether students are on track to college and career readiness. In grade 11, results from the ELA and math assessments can be used as an indicator of college readiness.

California Science Tests (CAST)

The new, computer-based CAST measures student acquisition of the California Next Generation Science Standards. It is administered in grades five, eight, 10, 11. The new computer-based CAST replaces the California Standards Tests (CST) for Science.

English Language Proficiency Assessments for California 

This spring is the second administration of  the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC). ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards and taken by all English Learners. 

Physical Fitness Test

The physical fitness test (PFT) for students in California schools is the FitnessGram®. The main goal of the test is to help students in starting lifelong habits of regular physical activity. Students in grades *five*, seven, and nine take the fitness test.

To learn more about either the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments or the CAST, review the Parent Resources available on the CDE webpage: https://www.cde.ca.gov.

The testing window for our school is . April 6 - May 8 

Sincerely,

Principal Breland

• Talk about the test with your child. Make sure they are not scared or anxious.
• Tell your child that you and his teacher have high expectations and that you both are there to help, every step of the way.
• Take a practice with your child.
• Make sure your child gets a good night's rest and a nutritious breakfast before testing.