California's New CAASPP Score Labels (2025-26)
California renamed all four achievement levels on state test score reports. The test did not change, but every label families see is new starting with the 2025-26 reports.
Check your state. Teaching standards and education policies change often and vary by state and district. Always confirm dates, requirements, and details with your state department of education or district office. This site is for general information, not professional or legal advice.
Old labels vs new labels
| Level | Through 2024-25 | 2025-26 onward |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Standard Exceeded | Advanced |
| 3 | Standard Met | Proficient |
| 2 | Standard Nearly Met | Developing |
| 1 | Standard Not Met | Minimal |
The rename covers Smarter Balanced English language arts and math and the California Science Test (CAST), including the subject-area sub-labels.
What did not change
- The test content, difficulty, and cut scores are the same.
- A student at Level 3 last year and Level 3 this year performed at the same bar; only the words changed.
Talking to families
Expect confusion: a report saying Developing where parents used to see Standard Nearly Met can read as worse news than it is. When sharing results, pair the new label with the old one the first year (Proficient, formerly Standard Met) and note that the bar did not move.
Sources
- California Department of Education, 2025-26 CAASPP reporting updates