The exam taken in California in 2026 was the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). This standardized test is designed to measure student achievement in English language arts and mathematics, and is administered to students in grades 3 through 8, as well as in grades 10 and 11. The CAASPP replaced the previous California Standards Tests (CSTs) and is aligned with the California State Standards.

The CAASPP exam is a key component of California's education system, providing valuable data on student performance and progress. The exam is designed to be rigorous and reflective of the knowledge and skills students are expected to have at each grade level. The results from the CAASPP are used by educators, administrators, and policymakers to inform instructional practices, curriculum development, and policy decisions.

The CAASPP exam has been in place since 2015, following the adoption of the Common Core State Standards. The exam is administered through a variety of formats, including computer-based testing, paper-based testing, and performance tasks. The computer-based tests are adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the questions adjusts based on the student's responses, providing a more personalized assessment experience.

Data from the California Department of Education indicates that the CAASPP has been successful in providing a comprehensive picture of student performance. For example, in the 2025-2026 school year, approximately 2.6 million students took the CAASPP exam. The results showed that while there were improvements in some areas, there were also challenges in others. For instance, in English language arts, 54% of students met or exceeded standards, while in mathematics, 49% of students met or exceeded standards.

The CAASPP exam is an important tool for monitoring student progress and ensuring that all students are on track to meet the state's academic standards. The exam's focus on both English language arts and mathematics aligns with the state's priorities in these critical areas. Additionally, the CAASPP provides valuable data for educators to use in identifying areas where students may need additional support and for policymakers to make informed decisions about education policy.