CPAA FAQs

What areas does CPAA focus on?
How can my child prepare for the CPAA?
How were the questions for the CPAA developed?
Products from Children’s Progress are science based. What does this mean?
Why is it important to assess early learners?
Is it appropriate to assess early learners on a computer?
How can my child’s school begin using the CPAA?

What areas does CPAA focus on?
The CPAA focuses on Pre-K through 2nd grade and evaluates student proficiency in language arts/literacy and mathematics. , including listening skills, phonemic awareness, reading, numeracy, operations, and more.

How can my child prepare for the CPAA?
Since it is an achievement test, ERB does not encourage test prep for the CPAA. It is designed to measure young students’ knowledge and comfort level at a point in time. This approach allows teachers and administrators to accurately assess the student’s strengths and weaknesses in specific areas, and tailor instruction to meet each student’s needs.

How were the questions for the CPAA developed?
Teachers and administrators from ERB member schools worked with Children’s Progress to design questions appropriate for the expectations of ERB-member schools. Each item was also evaluated through an analysis of a pool of student responses and performance data.

Products from Children’s Progress are science-based. What does this mean?
Children’s Progress products are based on years of expert research in the areas of cognitive psychology, early childhood education, and child development. This research informed the design and creation of the assessments, their content, and the way data is reported.

Why is it important to assess early learners?
Research has shown that childhood learning is critical to later success in school and life. Development during the early years, particularly in reading, forms the foundation for much of a child’s future academic success. Assessments from Children’s Progress are designed to give educators and parents the information they need to help children grow and develop.

Is it appropriate to assess early learners on a computer?
Yes. In today’s computer-savvy educational environment, most children are already familiar with computers or digital games. For children who have not been exposed to a computer, these assessments are designed to be fun and easy. They include a pre-screen to ensure that children understand how to use the mouse and answer questions on a computer. As long as a young child can use a computer and mouse independently, computer-based assessments are effective in evaluating skills and knowledge.

How can my child’s school begin using the CPAA?
Please ask your local administration or teacher about the CPAA assessments and ask them to go to www.childrensprogress.com.