Overview
Students take a variety of tests throughout the school year. Some are required by the state and the district, others are required to sample student performance across the country, and some are voluntary. The purpose of these tests is to make sure students are on the right track, meeting state academic standards and performing at least as well as their peers across the country. For a more detailed overview, view the student testing fact sheet in English
or Spanish .
School Accountability Measures
| • | Academic Performance Index (API) |
| • | Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Report |
| • | No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) |
Federally-mandated Tests
| • | National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) - Grades 4, 8, 12 |
State-mandated Tests
| • | California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR)
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| • | California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) - Grades 10–12 | ||||||||
| • | English Language Development Test (CELDT) - Grades K–12 | ||||||||
| • | Physical Fitness Testing (PFT) - Grades 5, 7, 9 |
District-mandated Tests
| • | Benchmark Exams |
| • | End-of-Course Exams - Grades 6–12 |
| • | End-of-Year Exams |
| • | Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test (GMRT) |
| • | On-Demand Writing - Grades K-10 |
| • | Practice CAHSEE - Grade 9 |
| • | Standards-Based Assessment in Mathematics (Modified SAM Jr./SAM Jr.) - Grade K |
| • | Writing and Reading Assessment Profile (WRAP) - Grades K-2 |
Benchmark Exams
Cumulative Literacy Benchmarks are district-developed, standards-based assessments for students in Grades 1-8. Cumulative Mathematics Benchmarks are district-developed, standards-based assessments for students in Grades 1-7, and students enrolled in algebra and geometry. These exams assess students' understanding of content taught in each unit of study. Assessment results help determine supports needed to assist students in developing literacy and mathematics skills.
End-of-Course Exams - Grades 6–12
End-of-Course Exams are district-developed, standards-based assessments for students in the second semester of selected subjects in high school. Currently, these exams are part of the standard syllabus for Algebra 1-2; English 1, 2; English 3, 4; World History and Geography 1, 2; Biology 1,2; Chemistry 1,2; Geometry 1,2; Intermediate Algebra 1,2. Learn more.
End-of-course exams:
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• | Establish effectiveness of curriculum in each subject. |
| • | Ensure course content is focused on state standards. | |
| • | Establish common level of expected performance. | |
| • | Ensure evaluation of student performance is consistent across classrooms and schools. | |
| • | Help identify students who need additional help to meet graduation requirements. |
End-of-Year Exams (Grades 1-6)
The Harcourt End-of-Year Test measures students' achievement of state content standards in mathematics.
Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test (GMRT)
The GMRT is a reading assessment used to identify a student's comprehension, vocabulary, and overall reading levels.
Harcourt Inventory Test
The Harcourt Inventory Test is a mathematics screening assessment given at the beginning of the year to identify students in need of additional support.
On Demand Writing – Grades K-10
On Demand Writing is a screening tool for students in Kindergarten through Grade 10. Writing prompts are also included in literacy units for use as appropriate by teachers.
Practice California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) - Grade 9
Beginning with the 2005-06 school year, no student can receive a public high school diploma without having passed the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE), as well as having met the District's requirements for graduation. The purpose of administering the Practice CAHSEE is to help the District identify students who are in need of additional support to pass the CAHSEE and provide information on the effectiveness of District support and intervention programs. It is administered once, in the spring, to all Grade 9 students.
The Practice CAHSEE contains items from previous administrations of the CAHSEE that have been released by the California Department of Education (CDE). The Practice CAHSEE has two parts: an English-Language Arts section, which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and one writing task; and, a Mathematics section, which contains 50 multiple-choice questions.
Standards-Based Assessment in Mathematics (Modified SAM Jr./SAM Jr.) – Grade K
The Modified SAM Jr. is a mathematics screening assessment given at the beginning of the year to identify Kindergarten students in need of additional support.
The SAM Jr. measures Kindergarten students' achievement of state content standards in mathematics.
Writing and Reading Assessment Profile (WRAP) – Grades K-2
The WRAP is used as a reading screening assessment for students in Kindergarten through Grade 2. It may also be used during the school year to monitor student progress and collect evidence of student growth.
Voluntary Tests
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
The Advanced Placement program consists of college-level courses in over 21 subjects that high school students may substitute for the regular curriculum. Students who are successful on the subsequent AP exams may meet certain college entrance requirements and/or earn college credit if they score well on these exams. To learn more, visit the College Board AP website.
Early Assessment Program (EAP)
The EAP is a voluntary eleventh-grade assessment that determines whether a student is prepared for California State University course work. This early assessment identifies whether a student is prepared for college at a point when students have the time to gain the needed preparation during the high school senior year.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations
The International Baccalaureate program is a rigorous, two-year liberal arts course of study for students in grades 11 and 12. IB final examinations are based on two years' coursework in each course for each student. Students who score well on the IB exams may meet certain college entrance requirements and/or earn college credit. To learn more, visit the International Baccalaureate Organization website.
Scholastic Assessment Test - Subject Tests (SAT II)
One-hour tests measure student knowledge in a particular academic subject area. Many colleges require or recommend one or more of the Subject Tests for admission or placement. To learn more, view the College Board SAT II webpage.
Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT)
The Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT I: Reasoning Test and SAT II: Writing Test. It also gives students a chance to qualify for National Merit Scholarship Corporation's (NMSC) scholarship programs. To learn more, visit the College Board's PSAT page.
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I)
The SAT measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills students have developed over time and skills they need to be successful academically. The SAT is scored on a scale of 200-800 and is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. The test is administered several times a year. Visit the College Board SAT I page.
American College Test (ACT)
The ACT Assessment is designed to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. To learn more, visit the ACT website.
Contact Information
San Diego Unified School District
Research and Evaluation Division
4100 Normal St., Room 3150
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 725-7166 - Phone
(619) 725-7180- Fax
