The California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) is part of the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. This test is an alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to take the California Standards Tests (CSTs) or the California Modified Assessment (CMA) even with accommodations (or modifications for the CSTs only). The goal of the CAPA is to ensure that all California students have an opportunity to participate in the STAR Program.
All students must take the CSTs, CAPA, or CMA unless their parents or guardians have submitted written requests to their schools to exempt them from STAR Program testing (Education Code Section 60615). It is very important that all students take part in the STAR Program. Each school district and school in California must have at least 95 percent of its students participate in statewide tests in order to meet federal accountability requirements.
Questions and Answers About the CAPA
Who takes the CAPA?
The CAPA is taken by special education students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades two through eleven or in ungraded programs. The students’ individualized education programs (IEPs) must specify that they are to take the CAPA.
How do schools decide if a student takes the CAPA and what level of the CAPA he or she takes?
Each student’s IEP team decides if a student should take the CAPA. There are five levels of the CAPA. Most students eligible for the CAPA take the level that corresponds to their grade placement.
Five CAPA Levels Provided
- Level I — grades two through eleven (the most significantly cognitively disabled students)
- Level II — grades two and three
- Level III — grades four and five
- Level IV — grades six through eight
- Level V — grades nine through eleven
What subjects are being assessed by the CAPA in 2008?
In spring 2008, students are being assessed in English-language arts and mathematics. Students taking the CAPA in grades five, eight, and ten also are being assessed in science. The CAPA is linked to California content standards that are appropriate for students taking the CAPA. The content standards identified for the CAPA are posted on the STAR Web page.
Who gives the CAPA and how are the questions asked?
A certificated or licensed school staff member who has been trained in CAPA testing procedures gives the CAPA. The examiner works with students individually. As each student is asked to perform a task, the examiner observes the performance and records the response according to a specific scoring rubric (guide).
When will I receive my student’s 2008 STAR Student Report for the CAPA?
Most parents and guardians will receive the 2008 STAR student reports by the end of September 2008.
What information will my student’s report include?
The 2008 STAR Student Report for the CAPA will provide results that describe how well students achieved on an assessment linked to California content standards for English-language arts, mathematics, and science (in grades five, eight, and ten only). Results for English-language arts and mathematics will show the student’s CAPA scale score and performance level for each subject tested. Performance levels of proficient or advanced indicate the student is meeting or exceeding the state’s target for students taking the CAPA. Performance levels of basic, below basic, and far below basic indicate areas that need improvement. Because science results are being reported for the first time, only the percent correct score will be reported.
Using CAPA Results
How are CAPA results used?
The IEP team – including teachers, administrators, parents, guardians, and/or support staff – uses the CAPA results every year to help monitor each student’s academic progress. The IEP team also uses the results to determine if the student will take the CSTs, CAPA, or CMA. The results are reviewed with other information about student achievement to help make decisions about ways to improve student learning and school programs. Finally, the CAPA results are used, with results of other state tests, to meet state and federal school accountability requirements.
How to find out more
If you have additional questions about the CAPA or the STAR Program, please direct them to your student’s teacher, counselor, or the school office. You also can find answers to your questions about the STAR Program on the STAR Web page.
