Argus CAASPP Test Prep (Staff PD)

English

100

How does the last paragraph affect the presentation of information? Select three options. 

A. It illustrates the possible economic effects of the Gulf oil spill. 

B. It makes the report more personal by showing its effects on one individual. 

C. It provides a contrasting point of view to those expressed earlier in the text. 

D. It reinforces the idea that the oil contamination in the Gulf will have long-lasting effects. 

E. It summarizes the main types of damage scientists have identified in the Gulf ecosystem. 

F. It provides predictions about the length of time scientists expect the effects of the oil spill to last.  

Claim 1: Reading Target: 13 (11-12.RI.5)

Correct choices:

A, B, D.

For an extra 50 points, can you point out some errors you think students may encounter while reading this text or answering this particular question?  

200

What is the central idea of the section?

Part A 

A. Other organisms in the Gulf waters feed on the larvae of blue crabs. 

B. Most of the spilled oil that contaminated the Gulf waters recently has been cleaned up. 

C. Scientists recently discovered oil droplets on blue crab larvae in waters along the Gulf coast. 

D. Scientists fear long-term negative effects on Gulf coast organisms from contaminated blue crab larvae. Which sentence from the text best expresses the same central idea you chose in part A?

 Part B 

A. The government said last week that three-quarters of the spilled oil has been removed or naturally dissipated from the water. 

B. "Something likely will eat those oiled larvae...and then that animal will be eaten by something bigger and so on."

C. She told the magazine there are two encouraging signs for the wild larvae—they are alive when collected and may lose oil droplets when they molt. 

D. Adults could be harmed by direct contact with oil and from eating polluted food. But scientists are particularly worried about the vulnerable larvae. 

E. “But what's going to happen next year, if this water is polluted and it's killing the eggs and larvae? I think it's going to be a long-term problem.”  

Claim: 1 Reading, Target: 9 (11-12.RI.2)

Answers:

Part A: D.

Part B: E.

For an extra 50 points, can you define 'the central idea of a text'?  

300

Click the link to listen to the Audio File

https://sampleitems.smarterbalanced.org

The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B. What does the author's tone in the book excerpt reveal? 

Part A. 

A. The author is talking directly to one person. 

B. The author attempts to intimidate young artists. 

C. The author wants the audience to relate to a personal experience. 

D. The author views the audience as individuals considering a career in the arts. 

Which excerpt from the presentation best supports your answer in part A? 

Part B 

A. "Artists with backgrounds in writing can earn additional income . . . " 

B. ". . . draw on their experiences to teach at schools or universities." 

C. “In today's art market, young artists and recent graduates can achieve success early . . . " 

D. ". . . try to stay patient and let your work develop naturally." 

English glossary: 

excerpt: a passage from a book intimidate: frighten

Claim: 3 Listening, Target 4 (11-12.SL.3)

Answers:

Part A: D.

Part B: D. 

For an extra 50 points, how do you think and EL or student with special needs may have issues answering this question?

400

Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure? 

A. After I graduate from high school, my parents plan to buy me dinner at my favorite restaurants, a collection of study guides for college, and me and a friend tickets to the local car show. 

B. After I graduate from high school, my parents plan to buy me dinner at my favorite restaurants, give me collection of study guides for college, and get me and a friend tickets to the local car show. 

C. After I graduate from high school, my parents plan to buy me dinner at my favorite restaurants, give me collection of study guides for college, and to get me and a friend tickets to the local car show. 

D. After I graduate from high school, my parents plan to buy me dinner at my favorite restaurants, on giving me a collection of study guides for college, and me and a friend tickets to the local car show.

Claim: 2 Writing, Target 9 (11-12.L.1a)

Correct answer: B.

For an extra 50 points, define what parallel structure is in writing. 

500

Click on the two sentences that use colons correctly. 

A. Sally said that: “Camping at the beach was the best vacation ever.” 

B. For our camping trip next weekend my friend said I should bring: a warm sleeping bag and a pillow. 

C. Camping in the mountains can be a lot of fun: but it takes careful planning to make sure the trip is safe. 

D. Author and columnist Dave Barry once wrote: “Camping is nature’s way of promoting the motel business.” 

E. Frank and Jane are going camping tomorrow, and they need three things: a tent, a flashlight, and some matches.

Claim: 2 Writing, Target 9 (11-12.L.2b)

Correct Answers:

D & E

For an extra 50 points, what do you think is the best way to prepare students for this question and others like it? 

Math

100

Claim: 1. Concepts and Procedures (N-RN.2)

The correct answer is B!

For an extra 50 points, collaborate with your group and discuss the common misconceptions that might be an issue for students.

200

Claim: 2. Problem Solving

Exemplar: x + 1

The student enters x + 1 or an equivalent correct response. 

For an extra 50 points, collaborate with your group and discuss the common errors students can make when entering their answers.  

300

LIGHTS, CANDLES, ACTION!

Your friend Abbie is making a movie. She is filming a fancy dinner scene, and she has two types of candles on the table. She wants to determine how long the candles will last.

She takes a picture, lights the candles, and then lets them burn for 1 hour. She then takes a second picture. You can assume that each candle burns at its own constant rate. Rate.

Candle Type A initial height = 20 cm

Candle Type B initial height = 10 cm

Candle Type A height after burning for 1 hour = 16 cm

Candle Type B height after burning for 1 hour = 9 cm

You will use this information to help Abbie think about the candles she might use for her film. 

Question: Candles A and B are lit at the same time. What will be the height, in cm, of each candle after 3 hours of burning? 

Claim: 2. Problem Solving (Equation)

Candle A: 8 cm

Candle B: 7 cm

For this item, a full-credit response includes

• for both correct answers or their equivalents. (1 point).

For an extra 50 points, what issues did you or your group have while trying to determine an answer?

400

Claim: 3. Communicating Reasoning 

The correct answer is B. 

For an extra 50 points, what kind of issues might you expect the students to encounter while encountering this type of question?

500

Nina has some money saved for a vacation she has planned. 

• The vacation will cost a total of $1600.

• She will put $150 every week into her account to help pay for the vacation. 

• She will have enough money for the vacation in 8 weeks. 

If Nina was able to save $200 a week instead of $150 a week, how many fewer weeks would it take her to save enough money for the vacation?

Claim: Modeling/Data Analysis (Equation)

Answer:

2 Weeks

For this item, a full-credit response includes

• The student enters the correct number of weeks, 2. (1 point)

For an extra 50 points, what are some issues that a student with special needs or an EL might have with this question type, and what could you do to better prepare them?

Science (CAST)

100

Question 8, Multiple Choice (HS-ESS3-6) (ESS3.D)

Correct answer: C

For an extra 50 points, what types of strategies could you teach students to eliminate incorrect responses?

200

Question: 3, Multiple Choice (HS-ESS1-1) (PS3.D)

Correct Answer: 2

No additional points. 

300

Question 15, Life Science, (HS-LS1-2) (LS1.A)

Correct Answer: D

For an extra 50 points, what type of calculator is embedded in the High School CAST?

400

Correct Answer: D.

Question: 6, Physical Science, (HS-PS1-4) (PS1.B)

For an extra 50 points, what issues did you face when determining the answer to this question? Were you able to overcome the issue? (Please state something other than, I don't know)

500

A person driving the scooter at 8 m/s on a flat road applies the brakes until the scooter stops. The total mass of the person and scooter is 100 kg, and the RBS operates at maximum efficiency. 

Select numbers from the lists to best complete the sentences. 

Part A

Before braking, the person-scooter system has a total kinetic energy of ________

A. 400 J 

B. 3,200 J 

C. 6,400 J

Part B

As a result of braking, the RBS transfers nearly _______ of energy to the scooter's batteries.

A. 240 J

B. 1,920 J  

Correct Answers:

Part A: B

Part B: B

Question 12, (HS-PS3-1) (PS3.B)

No additional points. 

English, Math, & Science Performance Tasks

100

Correct Answer: The student correctly determines the capacity in quarts of the pan (e.g., accept 2.66 – 2.7)

M.G11.C2.TA 

For an extra 50 points, do you know how to access the embedded graphing calculator on the test? 

200

The following is an outline of an ELA Perfomance Task. Think about your subject area and how you could do your part in preparing students to be successful in answering the following question.

Argumentative Writing

Question:
Write an argumentative essay in response to the following prompt:

"Some people believe that technology has a positive impact on education, while others argue that it has a negative effect on learning. Which perspective do you agree with? Use evidence from your own experiences or from external sources to support your position."

In your response, be sure to:

• Clearly state your position on the issue.

• Provide at least three reasons or pieces of evidence to support your argument.

• Address counterarguments and explain why your position is stronger.

• Use appropriate transitions to connect your ideas.

What would be the best strategy to help students start answering this type of question? 

Answers will vary.

300

The $1000 prize for a lottery is to be divided evenly among the winners. Initially, there are x winners. However, one more winner comes forward, causing each winner to receive $50 less. Enter an equation that represents the situation and can be used to solve for x, the initial number of winners.  

Example 2A.2a, Target: 2A

Correct Answer:

For an extra 50 points, what type of calculator is embedded in the High School Math test?

400

How could we best prepare our students for the following CAST question? Think about ways that you could assist them in your specific subject areas.

Question:
You are tasked with designing an experiment to investigate how different levels of light exposure affect the growth rate of plants. Write a hypothesis that you would test in this experiment. Explain the rationale behind your hypothesis.

Follow-up Question:
Describe the independent and dependent variables in your experiment. Additionally, list at least two controlled variables that you would need to keep constant.

Answers will vary.

500

A type of pasta is made of two ingredients: quinoa and corn. The pasta company is not disclosing the amount of each ingredient in the pasta, but we know that the quinoa in the pasta contains 16.2% protein, and the corn in the pasta contains 3.5% protein. Overall, each 57-gram serving of pasta contains a total of 4 grams of protein. 

How many grams of quinoa and how many grams of corn are in one serving of the pasta?  

Eaxmple 2A.3b Taget: 2a (CCSS A-REI.C)

Correct answer: 

• The number of grams of quinoa is 16.

• The number of grams of corn is 41.

Testing Protocols

100

According to the CAASPP Test Security Affidavit, which of the following actions is permitted regarding the content of the CAASPP achievement tests? 

a) Sharing test questions with colleagues for training purposes. 

b) Posting test content on a secure internal staff website. 

c) Administering the test during the actual testing administrations.

d) Making personal copies of test questions for future reference.

Correct Answer: c) Administering the test during the actual testing administrations.

Created from the CAASPP Test Security Affidavit 2025-2026

For an extra 50 points, state a reason why it is important for testing administrators to follow the CAASPP Test Security Affidavit. 

200

During a CAASPP testing session, what should staff members do regarding students' electronic devices? 

a) Collect all electronic devices before testing and return them afterward. 

b) Allow students to keep electronic devices as long as they are turned off. 

c) To the best of their ability, not allow pupils to access electronic devices that allow them to access outside information, communicate with other pupils, or photograph or copy test content.

d) Permit the use of electronic translation devices if a student requests one.

Correct Answer: c) To the best of their ability, not allow pupils to access electronic devices that allow them to access outside information, communicate with other pupils, or photograph or copy test content. 

Created from the CAASPP Test Security Affidavit 2025-2026.

For an extra 50 points, state why it would be a bad idea to collect students' devices from them before testing administration. 

300

Part 1:

According to the affidavit, are staff members permitted to review CAASPP test questions independently or with students at any time? 

a) Yes, for the purpose of understanding the test format. 

b) Yes, after the testing window has closed. 

c) Yes, if the review is part of a formal professional development session. 

d) No, staff members will not review any achievement test questions, passages, performance tasks, or other test items independently or with pupils or any other person at any time, including before, during, or following testing.

Part 2: 

What type of assistance are staff members allowed to provide to students during CAASPP testing? 

a) Interpreting or paraphrasing test items. 

b) Pointing or nodding to indicate correct answers. 

c) Assisting pupils with using their information to log into their assigned test.

d) Coaching students or providing any other type of assistance that may affect their responses.

Correct Answer: 

Part 1:

d) No, staff members will not review any achievement test questions, passages, performance tasks, or other test items independently or with pupils or any other person at any time, including before, during, or following testing.

Part 2:

c) Assisting pupils with using their information to log into their assigned test.

Created from the CAASPP Test Security Affidavit 2025-2026

For an extra 50 points, why would it be a bad idea to assist students in interpreting or paraphrasing test items? (Answers should include rationale) 

400

Considering the guidelines for when a test reader is allowable for ELA items versus ELA reading passages, which of the following scenarios best describes a situation where you would need to analyze multiple factors from a student's IEP or 504 plan to determine if a test reader for an ELA reading passage is appropriate?

a) A student with a vision impairment who cannot access text-to-speech and requires all text to be read aloud. 

b) A student with a documented learning disability in decoding who benefits from having math items read aloud as a designated support. 

c) A student with a reading fluency disorder whose IEP indicates the need for read-aloud of both ELA items and, as a documented accommodation due to significant impact on access, ELA reading passages, despite the general allowance for items only.

d) A student without a documented disability who struggles with comprehending complex ELA reading passages and requests a test reader.

Correct Answer:

c) A student with a reading fluency disorder whose IEP indicates the need for read-aloud of both ELA items and, as a documented accommodation due to significant impact on access, ELA reading passages, despite the general allowance for items only.

This question was created with information from the Smarter Balanced Read Aloud Guidelines.

For an extra 50 points, can you name any other testing accommodations that you may encounter while administering the test? 

500

Consider a test item that includes both an image with embedded text and a related question. According to the guidelines, the test reader needs to determine if the details of the picture are necessary for understanding the item. 

Describe a hypothetical example of such an item and explain the strategic decision-making process the test reader should employ to determine which visual and textual elements to describe and in what order, justifying your approach with references to the relevant guidelines.

a) In an item about the water cycle with a diagram showing evaporation, condensation, and precipitation and labels for each stage, the test reader should describe every visual detail, starting from the top and moving clockwise, reading all labels. 

b) In a math problem involving a bar graph showing student heights and a question asking for the difference between the tallest and shortest student, the test reader should focus solely on reading the question and the numerical values on the graph, omitting any descriptive title or axis labels to save time. 

c) In a science question presenting a diagram of a plant cell with labels for different organelles and a question asking about the function of the mitochondria, the test reader should read the title/caption, the label "mitochondria," and any text directly related to the question, using a logical progression like top to bottom or general to specific if the entire diagram needs description.

d) The test reader should always describe the image in its entirety before reading the question, regardless of whether the visual details are directly referenced in the question.

Correct Answer: C

This question was created with information from the Smarter Balanced Read Aloud Guidelines.

For an extra 50 points, did you know that Disciplinary Action for Testing Staff: Testing administrators or staff who fail to follow the rules could face disciplinary action from the school district or educational agency. 

To whom do testing infractions or violations need to be reported?