The CAPA is designed to assess those students with significant cognitive disabilities who cannot participate in the California Standards Tests even with accommodations and modifications. The California Department of Education (CDE) developed the CAPA to comply with the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
The CAPA links directly to the California academic content standards at each grade level. These blueprints have been developed to accurately reflect the portions of the content standards from kindergarten through high school that are accessible to students with significant cognitive disabilities.
The CAPA is administered at five different levels in English–language arts (ELA) and mathematics and at four different levels in science. The level at which a student is assessed is dependent upon the grade he or she is enrolled in; Level I is the exception and is administered to any student enrolled in grades two through eleven as designated in the student’s individualized education program (IEP). Each level of CAPA consists of eight performance tasks.
The blueprint for each level lists the California content standards for use on the CAPA. Standards assessed are listed by strand, and the focus of the California content standards for the alternate assessment is denoted by a check mark. The focus for the alternate assessment describes what CAPA students should know and be able to do in relationship to the content standards. One or more focuses may be targeted for assessment in an individual task. Each standard has an equal opportunity for representation on the CAPA operational form in a given administration.
CAPA Level I is designed to assess students enrolled in grades two through eleven. CAPA Level I is intended for the students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, who are receiving instruction and curriculum aligned to the CAPA Level I blueprints. These students' IEPs must designate the use of CAPA Level I. Assessments are available English–language arts, mathematics, and science.
CAPA Level II is designed to assess students enrolled in grades two and three and is available in English–language arts and mathematics.
CAPA Level III is designed to assess students enrolled in grades four and five and is available in English–language arts, mathematics, and science.
CAPA Level IV is designed to assess students enrolled in grades six, seven, and eight in English–language arts, mathematics, and science.
CAPA Level V is designed to assess students enrolled in grades nine through eleven in
English–language arts, mathematics, and science.