Local Assessments

In addition to statewide testing, Ross Valley uses local assessments to better understand and support each child’s learning. Two key tools include:

• iReady Diagnostic (Grades K–8): Administered in reading and math several times a year, iReady provides an adaptive snapshot of student skills. It helps teachers identify strengths, target areas for growth, and monitor progress over time to personalize instruction.
• Reading Difficulties Screener (Grades K–2): This universal screener measures foundational literacy skills such as letter recognition, phonemic awareness, decoding, and fluency. The screener is not a diagnosis but an early identification tool to ensure students receive the right supports for reading success.

Teachers use results from these assessments alongside classwork, participation, and other measures to create a full picture of student learning. Families are important partners in this process, and reading daily with your child remains one of the most powerful ways to support growth.

State Mandated Assessments

Each year, California students participate in statewide tests that, along with grades, classwork, and teacher observations, provide a more complete picture of student learning. These results help families and teachers celebrate strengths and identify areas where more support may be needed.

Students may take one or more of the following assessments:

• CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress):
  • ELA & Math (Grades 3–8)
  • CAST – California Science Test (Grades 5 & 8)
• ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California): For students in Transitional Kindergarten–12th grade whose primary language is not English.
• Physical Fitness Test (Grades 5 & 7)

Per state law (Education Code 60615), parents/guardians may submit a written request each year to excuse their child from CAASPP assessments. This exemption does not apply to the ELPAC or Physical Fitness Test.