The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is the new state academic testing program. CAASPP is a system intended to provide information that can be used to monitor student progress and ensure that all students leave high school college and career ready.
Traditionally, CAASPP includes the Smarter Balanced (SBAC) computer adaptive tests in English–language arts and mathematics for all students in 7, 8 and 11. Results of these tests provides us with data about the extent to which our students show mastery of the Common Core standards. In addition to the SBAC, OCSA will be administering the California Science Test (CAST) with all students in grades 8, 10 and 12. These tests will be administered online in students' Literature and Composition, Social Studies, and/or Science classes.
We do believe these test are important for the following reasons:
● The tests give teachers and administrators one more tool in assessing the success of OCSA’s instruction.
● The tests give parents and students one more tool in assessing student learning.
● The SBAC tests include a component for 11th graders that allow them to earn an exemption in their California State University college placement test in English and Math.
● These scores are used by parents outside of OCSA to determine the quality of our instructional program.
● Scoring at the proficient level or above is required to earn the California Seal of Biliteracy.
If you would like to learn more about the types of questions on the computer‐based SBAC test and to familiarize your student with the online test interface, you and your child are encouraged to view the practice and training tests online at the California Department of Education (CDE) Smarter Balanced Test Web page here.
Pursuant to California Education Code Section 60615, parents/guardians may annually submit to the school a written request to excuse their child from any or all of the CAASPP assessments.