California students take the CAASPP each spring. Smarter Balanced covers ELA and Math in grades 3–8 and 11, and the California Science Test (CAST) is given in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school.
K–2: There is no statewide K–2 test. Schools must screen K–2 students for reading difficulties from 2025–26 using one of four state-approved screeners, and Grade Two Diagnostic Assessments are optional.
Testing calendar
2026–27 testing windows
CAASPP Smarter Balanced3–8
Spring. CDE's August 2026 timeline shows Smarter Balanced running from late January through June.
CAST5, 8 and once in grades 10–12
Spring. CDE's August 2026 timeline shows CAST running from late January through June.
CAASPP Smarter Balanced Grade 1111
Spring.
California Spanish Assessment3–8 and high school
Spring.
Dates from the state’s published 2026–27 schedule. Districts set their own days inside each window.
What’s new for 2026–27
What changed this year
New
Score reports use new achievement level labels (Advanced, Proficient, Developing, Minimal) starting with 2025–26; cut scores are unchanged.
Every workbook in the series, plus 10,000+ resources
Every test prep workbook is included — print it or play it. One membership covers your whole year: test prep in the spring, everything else all year long.
Every test prep workbook — Printable PDF + Interactive
No. Our workbooks are independent practice resources with original questions. They're aligned to each state's published test design, but they are not official test materials and aren't affiliated with any state or test publisher.
How do I know a workbook matches this year's test?
Each state page shows the date we last checked the state's official sources. We re-check every state each summer and update the workbooks whose test changed.
Can I use a workbook with my whole class?
Yes. A purchase covers one teacher and their own students. To share with every teacher in a school, choose the School License.
What’s the difference between the editions?
The Printable PDF prints for your class. The Interactive Workbook is the same workbook online — self-checking, with read-aloud, on interactive whiteboards, touch panels, Chromebooks and tablets. The Bundle gives you both. The School License covers both for one school. Paperbacks are sold on Amazon once each one is available. Members get the Printable PDF and the Interactive Workbook of every workbook.
Have Fun Teaching test prep workbooks are independent, supplemental practice resources. SAT® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT Education Corp., which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product. Smarter Balanced® is a registered trademark of The Regents of the University of California, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product. CAASPP, CAST and CSA are named only to identify the tests these workbooks prepare students for; test names belong to their owners. Have Fun Teaching, LLC is not affiliated with or endorsed by the California Department of Education or any test publisher. Not an official test. No score or result is guaranteed.
Testing information was checked against official California sources on the date above. States can change tests and dates at any time — see the official links for the latest.
