NUSD System of Assessments
The vision of the Natomas Unified School District is that “All NUSD students graduate as college and career ready, productive, responsible, and engaged global citizens.” Assessments help students, parents/guardians, and teachers to inform teaching and learning. Assessments also inform student placement in appropriate classes, programs, interventions, and other supports. Assessments are one component of NUSD’s instructional system. To learn more about that instructional system, click here.
Below is a table that represents the assessment plan across all NUSD schools and grade levels for 2021.
Grade 3-8 State Assessment Letter
Grade 11 State Assessment Letter
There are different types of assessments, each used for different purposes: classroom, grade level or subject area, district, state-mandated, and college and career assessments. The following table describes the types and purposes of NUSD assessments with some examples for each:
Please note that test information and dates are subject to change. Check back frequently for updates.
CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress)
English Language Arts and Math
3rd-8th and 11th graders
March 9 – May 28, 2021
CAA (California Alternate Assessment)
English Language Arts, Math and Science
3rd-8th and 11th graders for eligible students in ELA and Math
5th, 8th and 12th graders for eligible students in Science
CAASPP Science – California Science Test (CAST)
5th, 8th and 12th grader
March 9 – May 28, 2021
GATE (Gifted and Talented Education)
All 1st graders and 2nd-5th graders who are referred by their principal or teacher
February 2021
PFT (Physical Fitness Test)
5th, 7th, and 9th graders
The PFT was suspended for the 2020-2021 school year
PSAT
10th graders
April 13-30, 2021
SAT
11th graders
April 13 or April 27, 2021
