CST High School Science Test Information

 

 

Students in grades 9-11 are required to take California Science Standards Tests that are course-specific. These tests are either discipline-specific (earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics) or are designed for integrated science courses in which academic standards from all four science disciplines are taught in each course (Integrated Science 1, 2, 3, and 4).

 

Students in grades 9-11 only take a California science standards test if they took a standards-based science course during the previous summer session or will be taking a course during the current school year.

 

There are eight standards-based science tests:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Science
  • Physics
  • Integrated Science 1
  • Integrated Science 2
  • Integrated Science 3
  • Integrated Science 4

 

Note: Teachers of integrated science must identify the test most appropriate for their classes based on CST Blueprints. The blueprints can be found online at:  http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/blueprints.asp. Each integrated science test covers different percentages of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science.

 

If a science course is not closely aligned with a test blueprint, no science test should be administered.

 

Second year and Advanced Placement science students must also take a science standards test.

 

Not all 9-11 graders will take a science test.

Examples:

  • Chris, a sophomore, took biology as a freshman, but is currently taking no science course. Chris does not take any science CST test.
  • Pat took earth science last summer, but is currently taking no science. Pat must take the earth science standards test.

 

10th Graders WILL take a life science CST test and may take an additional EOC.