April 21, 2021
Dear West Side Families,
Traditionally during the spring California students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) for English language arts and math, and in grades 5 and 8 the California Science Test (CAST). During spring of 2020, national testing requirements were waived and students did not take these assessments. In lieu of a blanket waiver this year, the U.S. Department of Education said that states could apply for other ways to potentially ease the burden of testing this school year.
California’s 2021 approved testing plan includes the state’s Smarter Balanced assessments in mathematics and English language arts, the California Science Test, as well as tests for English learners and other special populations. Districts are to administer the CAASPP if they determine that it is a viable option. If the district determines that it is not the most viable option to administer the CAASPP, they may report results from a different assessment that meets the criteria established by the State Board of Education on March 16th. The assessments must be:
- Aligned with California Common Core State Standards for ELA and mathematics;
- Available to assess students in grades three through eight and grade eleven;
- Uniformly administered across a grade level/span, school, or district; and
- Provide results that can be reported to parents/guardians, educators about individual students, and to the public by school and by district and are disaggregated by student groups.
How do we determine if it is viable to administer the CAASPP?
- This is a local decision based on a number of factors such as access to secure browsers, capacity for proctoring and monitoring remotely, and the amount of time schools have been providing in-person instruction so as to ensure that there has been adequate time for students and staff to learn and adjust to mitigation strategies, take stock of and address trauma, and support immediate social-emotional needs.
- Where it is not viable for districts to administer those assessments due to challenges such as assuring Covid-19 safety or broadband limitations while students continue to learn at home, the state policy permits school districts to select their own assessments if they met a set of criteria prescribed by the state.
After reviewing with West Side teachers, we are in agreement that giving the CAASPP and CAST is not a viable option. I presented this to the Board of Trustees on April 20th who approved using another assessment. Our plan is to have students take the Renaissance Reading and Math assessments, which meet the state requirements. Our students are familiar with these assessments and they require a shorter amount of time (typically thirty minutes), which will allow our staff and students to focus instruction time on social emotional and learning needs.
In May, teachers in grades 3-6 will communicate with their students and families regarding the Renaissance assessments.
I appreciate that schools have been provided this option. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
West Side Superintendent-Principal