The California Student Survey (CSS) is a voluntary, anonymous, and confidential self-report survey of substance use, school safety, harassment and violence, youth resilience factors, and health-related behaviors.
California law requires that the survey be conducted every two years among a representative statewide sample of students in grades 7, 9, and 11 in order to monitor and prevent adolescent risk behaviors and promote positive youth development, health, and well-being. WestEd has conducted the survey since 1989.
California Student Survey for Grade 7 (CSS-MS)
View or download the English survey.
View or download the Spanish survey.
California Student Survey for Grades 9 and 11 (CSS-HS)
View or download the English survey.
View or download the Spanish survey.
Consent Forms
Parental consent is required for participation. Please call 1.800.582.7970 for more information about consents.
Reports
Highlights (Summaries)
Reports featuring highlights of the statewide, biennial administrations of the CSS are available online (see report titles below). These reports focus on the prevalence, frequency, and intensity of alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use involvement by 7 th, 9th, and 11th graders. Information about use-related problems encountered by students is also reported. Data are analyzed along multiple sample characteristic and demographic dimensions. To view or download these reports, click on the report titles below:
- The 13th Biennial CSS Report (2009/2010)
- The 12th Biennial CSS Report (2007/2008)
- The 11th Biennial CSS Report (2005/2006)
Special Reports
Heavy alcohol and drug use among high school students, 2003-2004: Results of the Tenth Biennial California Student Survey. Austin, G., Skager, R., Bailey, J., & Bates, J. (2005). Sacramento: Office of the Attorney General.
Based on data from the 10th biennial California Student Survey, conducted in the late fall and early winter of the 2003-2004 school year, this report explores the scope and nature of heavy or hardcore alcohol and other drug use among California high school students. The report analyzes user-group differences within the 9th and 11th grade populations as they relate to level of use, adverse consequences, user characteristics, and risk and protective factors. The report specifically focuses on high-risk drug users and binge drinkers. The percentage of students who might be considered dependent and in need of intervention services is estimated based on these data.
Compendium of Tables
Publications for each CSS biennial administration year that contain tables with all of the findings for each survey question are available to view or download:
- The 13th Biennial CSS Compendium of Tables (2009/2010)
- The 12th Biennial CSS Compendium of Tables (2007/2008) includes comparison data from the 9th, 10th, and 11th CSS administration (2001, 2003, and 2005)
Fact Sheets
The California Student Survey (CSS) briefs provide statewide aggregated information on specific topics such as binge drinking, marijuana use, and abuse of over-the-counter medications. To view or download, click on the Fact Sheets below.
California Student Survey 11th Biennial Administration Fact Sheets (2005/2006):
- Overview of Substance Use Results and Survey Background
- Alcohol Use and Binge Drinking
- Marijuana and Other Illicit Drug Use
- Heavy Alcohol and Other Drug Use
- Substance Use and School Improvement
California Student Survey 12th Biennial Administration Fact Sheets [Note: The CSS 12th Administration Fact Sheets will be posted shortly.]