Frequently Asked Questions

What are Smarter Balanced and CAASPP?

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortia (SBAC) developed the assessments to be used by member states. California uses the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), formerly known as STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting). EAP results are taken from the CAASPP.

What is Academic Preparation?

English Language Arts/Literacy

Students who are academically prepared in English language arts/literacy demonstrate reading, writing, listening, and research skills necessary for introductory courses in a variety of disciplines. They also demonstrate subject-area knowledge and skills associated with preparation for entry-level, transferable, credit-bearing English and composition courses.

Mathematics

Students who are academically prepared in mathematics demonstrate foundational mathematical knowledge and quantitative reasoning skills necessary for introductory courses in a variety of disciplines. They also demonstrate subject-area knowledge and skills associated with preparation for entry-level, transferable, credit-bearing mathematics and statistics courses.

​ What do my Smarter Balanced/CAASPP results mean?

Level 1
  • Support Needed
  • K-12 & higher education may offer interventions
Level 2
  • Support Needed
  • Transition courses or other supports for Grade 12, retesting option for states
Level 3
  • Placement in a General Education course with the completion of an approved senior year-long course.
  • In each state, K-12 and higher ed must jointly develop Grade 12 requirements for students to earn an exemption
Level 4
  • Academically Prepared for General Education coursework in written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning.
  • K-12 and higher education may jointly set Grade 12 requirements to retain exemption (optional for states)

Note: Applies only to students who matriculate directly from high school to college

What does it mean to be Academically Prepared in English?

If your CAASPP/EAP English status is “Level 4” then you have met the CSU requirement and are ready for CSU or participating CCC college-level written communication/English courses. You are ready to enroll in for-credit English courses at the CSU! 

What does it mean to be Academically Prepared in Math?

If your CAASPP/EAP Math Status is "Level 4” then you have met the CSU requirement and are prepared for CSU or participating CCC college-level mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses. You can enroll in for-credit math courses at the CSU!

What scores do I need on the SAT or ACT to be considered academically prepared?

For the SAT you need a 570 or above in Math and a 550 or above in English.
For the ACT you need a 23 or above in Math and a 22 or above in English.

What is the CAASPP/EAP?

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is an assessment aligned with the Common Core State Standards that measure student achievement and growth toward academic preparation.

What are the benefits of participating in this new assessment?

Smarter Balanced will give parents and students more accurate and actionable information about what students are learning and provide better information about the needs and successes of individual students. This gives parents, students, and teachers a clearer window on whether students are on track to graduate high school, prepared for college and the workplace.

If I received an EAP status of “Level 3” in math and/or English, how do I know what course I should be in my senior year?

English courses that are approved:

Math courses that are recommended:

  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Statistics
  • Math Analysis
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Calculus
  • Area "C" math courses beyond Algebra II or Math III (must be completed in the senior year)