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Del Mar Union School District

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Assessment and Testing Information

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) assesses students in grades 3-8 and 11. The CAASPP system is designed to give information to teachers, students, and their families about what students know and are able to do and whether they are on track to be ready for success in college or career when they graduate from high school.  Students take tests in English/Language Arts and Mathematics online using a computer. These tests are also known as the Smarter Balanced Assessments. Students in grades 5, 8, and 10 also take the California Science Tests (CAST) that align with the Next Generation Science Standards.
 
General information about  CAASPP test scores, as well as CAASPP school, district, and statewide scores can be found on the California Department of Education CAASPP Test Results web page.
 
 
Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (K-2)

Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (K-2)

Background Information

Del Mar Union School District (DMUSD) has a long-standing commitment to assessing and supporting early reading development to ensure that every student becomes a confident, successful reader. 

While assessing foundational reading skills for our students in grades K-2 is not new to our district, the tool we use has changed. DMUSD previously used i-Ready as its reading screener; however, in alignment with new state requirements (Senate Bill 114), districts are now asked to select a state-approved assessment. After a thorough review during the 2024-25 school year by a team of teachers representing every school, DMUSD selected mCLASS DIBELS 8, which was formally approved by the Board of Trustees in June 2025.

About the Screener

mCLASS DIBELS 8 is a research-based, universal screening tool designed to help teachers identify early reading strengths and potential areas for support in grades K–2. The assessment measures foundational skills such as:
  • Letter naming and sound recognition
  • Word reading and fluency
  • Comprehension of connected text
The screener is short, age-appropriate, and administered one-on-one by the classroom teacher who ensures a supportive, low-stress experience for each child.

Why we Screen

Early identification is key to preventing reading difficulties before they grow. The goal of this assessment is not to diagnose or label students, but to help teachers and families understand how best to support early reading development. Screening results help inform instruction and intervention so that every child receives the right level of support.

DMUSD Screening Schedule

DMUSD Screening Schedule
The Reading Difficulties Risk Screener window for 2025-26 will run from January 22 – February 27, 2026. Families will receive results and learn more about their child’s progress during Parent Conferences in March. Teachers will use these data to guide instruction and determine next steps for classroom support or small-group intervention.

Partnering with Families

Reading development is a partnership between school and home. Once results are shared, parents will receive a report that contains:
  • A summary of their child’s reading skills and areas of strength.
  • Information about classroom supports and next instructional steps.
  • Suggestions for reinforcing reading skills at home.

Important Notes

  • This screening does not determine eligibility for special education. It is an early-identification tool to help guide instruction.
  • Families wishing to opt out may submit a written request to their principal before the screening window begins.
  • For English Learners, results are interpreted alongside language development data to ensure an accurate understanding and appropriate supports. Students who speak Spanish and are Novice English speakers may be assessed in Spanish to help us understand their reading development in their home language.  Currently, the assessment is only available in English and Spanish. 
 

Our Commitment

By adopting mCLASS DIBELS 8, DMUSD continues its proactive approach to literacy instruction, grounded in research, teacher expertise, and early intervention. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the skills, confidence, and joy of becoming a lifelong reader.