Grades 3-5 State Testing Information

Each year, students in grades three through eight and high school participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). CAASPP is the State’s academic testing program and includes the computer-adaptive Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA), the California Science Test (CAST), and the California Spanish Assessment (CSA). Results from these assessments help identify gaps in knowledge or skills early on so your child can get the support needed to be successful in school. Students in grades three through five will take the SBA and the California Spanish Assessment. Students in grades five will take the CAST. Our school will begin testing in May.

To help your child get ready for the test, you can:

·       Talk about the test with your child. This helps them feel calm and confident about the test.

·       Tell your child that you & their teacher have high expectations & are both there to help, every step of the way.

·       Take a practice test with your child http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html.

·       Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before testing.

·       Please make sure your child is in school on time every day and schedule medical and other appointments outside of test times.

Additional resources for parents are available through the California Department of Education (http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/), the California PTA (http://capta.org/focus-areas/education/student-assessments/), and Capistrano USD (http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com/CAASPPforParents). As always, State testing results are only one indicator of student performance as our school and the District routinely uses other data points to guide instruction throughout the year. All of your child’s test results will be shared electronically with you through Aeries Parent Portal in Fall 2019. Unlike in past years, the Student Score Reports (SSR) will no longer be mailed home. This is due to the State’s transition to full electronic reporting. Staff are here to support parents and students. Counselors are available to help alleviate testing anxiety students may experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions or concerns.