In English language arts/literacy, the combined “met” and “exceeded” score was 66 percent or higher in all grades compared to a statewide score of 44 percent.
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“The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Smarter Balanced assessments represent a comprehensive approach for measuring students’ success in demonstrating the critical thinking skills essential to success in college and career pursuits”, said Marten.
The CAASPP tests, which are given in third through eighth grade and grade 11, are aligned to the Common Core standards.
Jeremy Nishihara, chief information officer for the Cupertino Union School District, said he was told reports would be delivered in September, but he doesn’t know if that is a reliable time frame anymore.
The tests for 11-graders are designed to measure college-readiness, not general aptitude and knowledge, and, “Not everybody is going to attend a four-year college”, he said. “So it’s natural, in that case, that the vast majority of students will be in a different place than they were”.
In all subjects, the difference in achievement between Asian and white students on one hand and African-American and Latino students on the other – with groups like Filipino and students of two races falling in the middle – has continued to challenge and even stymie educators. Throughout other grade levels, 69 percent or more failed to meet standards.
“I am encouraged that many students are at or near achievement standards”, Torlakson said.
Employers are demanding more of their employers today, according to David Rattray, senior vice president, Education & Workforce Development for the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
“California is in the process of transforming its schools with increased funding, higher academic standards, more local control, and additional support for students and schools with the greatest needs-and this will take time”, he said. “These are the highest standards we’ve ever established for K-12”.
In its first year and all computerized, the CAASPP replaces the paper-based, fill-in-the-bubble, multiple-choice Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program. By and large, Californians have embraced the Common Core State Standards, avoiding the political maelstrom that has enveloped the revised content and new ways of teaching in other states.
“[The scores] provide a context for a discussion with our district community on how we can advance student achievement”, Davies-Hughes said.
For example, 63 percent of Hart District eighth graders either met or exceeded ELA/Literacy standards, compared to 42 percent in Los Angeles County and 45 percent in the state.
The CAASPP tests for English language arts/literacy and mathematics were given to students in grades three through eight and grade eleven. The new tests also put a stronger focus on writing than the CSTs did. API scores, which haven’t been updated since 2013, are used for everything from compliance with the federal No Child Left Behind law to marketing houses. State lawmakers and experts still are debating what to include in a new index.
“It’s a baseline year”, she said. “Our folks are working hard and we believe we’ll get there”.
Comparing the CAASPP scores to the older scores would be “like comparing apples to watermelons”, Torlakson warned. In math, 14 percent exceeded the standard, while 19 percent met it. In addition, the department reported that one-quarter of test-takers statewide “nearly” met the standard in English/language arts, while 29 percent were classified that way in math. As an alternative, the 2015 scores are meant to function a baseline to measure future progress. “Our teachers will use the test results as feedback to improve instruction and increase student learning”. “We need to be patient; these scores are a starting point”.
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After several months of waiting, families of students who took the first scored Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) tests will soon be receiving their official score reports.
