Skip to main content

CAST Science Domain Descriptors

Understanding how California Science Test results describe student performance in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Earth and Space Sciences.

Domain results provide a focused view

In addition to an overall CAST score, students receive information about performance in each of the three science domains. A domain category is determined by the distance between the student’s performance on questions related to that domain and the criterion associated with Level 3 on the overall CAST.

The three reporting categories

Above Standard

The science-domain scale score is above the Level 3 criterion used for the overall CAST.

Near Standard

The science-domain scale score is at or near the Level 3 criterion used for the overall CAST.

Below Standard

The science-domain scale score is below the Level 3 criterion used for the overall CAST.

A note about current score labels

Beginning with 2025–26 results, California changed the labels for overall CAST achievement levels to Advanced, Proficient, Developing, and Minimal. The science-domain reporting categories shown here remain Above Standard, Near Standard, and Below Standard in the current California Educator Reporting System data dictionary.

Descriptors by science domain

Select a science domain to compare its three performance descriptions.

  • Life Sciences

    Life Sciences focuses on structures and processes in living things, ecosystems, heredity, and biological evolution.

    Above Standard

    The student demonstrates a thorough understanding of and ability to apply the knowledge and skills associated with the core ideas, concepts, and practices in Life Sciences.

    Near Standard

    The student demonstrates some understanding of and ability to apply the knowledge and skills associated with the core ideas, concepts, and practices in Life Sciences.

    Below Standard

    The student demonstrates minimal understanding of and ability to apply the knowledge and skills associated with the core ideas, concepts, and practices in Life Sciences.

  • Physical Sciences

    Physical Sciences focuses on matter and its interactions, motion and stability, energy, and waves and their applications.

    Above Standard

    The student demonstrates a thorough understanding of and ability to apply the knowledge and skills associated with the core ideas, concepts, and practices in Physical Sciences.

    Near Standard

    The student demonstrates some understanding of and ability to apply the knowledge and skills associated with the core ideas, concepts, and practices in Physical Sciences.

    Below Standard

    The student demonstrates minimal understanding of and ability to apply the knowledge and skills associated with the core ideas, concepts, and practices in Physical Sciences.

  • Earth and Space Sciences

    Earth and Space Sciences focuses on Earth’s place in the universe, Earth’s systems, and Earth and human activity.

    Above Standard

    The student demonstrates a thorough understanding of and ability to apply the knowledge and skills associated with the core ideas, concepts, and practices in Earth and Space Sciences.

    Near Standard

    The student demonstrates some understanding of and ability to apply the knowledge and skills associated with the core ideas, concepts, and practices in Earth and Space Sciences.

    Below Standard

    The student demonstrates minimal understanding of and ability to apply the knowledge and skills associated with the core ideas, concepts, and practices in Earth and Space Sciences.

Using domain results responsibly

  • Interpret a domain category as one source of information—not a complete diagnosis of a student’s science knowledge.
  • Review classroom work, local assessments, observations, and other evidence alongside CAST results.
  • Look for patterns across groups and over time before making program or instructional decisions.
  • Avoid interpreting Near Standard as a fixed trait or Below Standard as proof that a student cannot perform particular skills.
  • Consider opportunity to learn, accessibility supports, participation, and the limits of the available evidence.

Official California resources

Important: California advises that achievement level descriptors are not intended to serve by themselves as guidance for curriculum or individual student decisions. Use multiple measures. Reviewed August 2, 2026.