After the first week of CAASPP testing, Burroughs High School juniors are already feeling a sense of relief as they checked off the English portion of the exam.
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), an annual statewide assessment, requires focused testing in a quiet environment, something that can create stress for many students. To help ease that pressure, school administrators and teachers spent the year preparing students for the format and expectations of the test.
“Our staff spent the entire school year communicating with our students about the tests and introducing them to the type and style of questions they will see,” said Assistant Principal Elijah Colpitts. “This builds students’ confidence, helping them feel better about the tests.” The school also continued its recent practice of honoring student achievement with a pizza party and the raffle for prizes at the recent spring rally.
That preparation and recognition appear to be paying off. According to school administrators, students spent more time working through the exam this year, suggesting greater engagement and careful consideration of their responses.
One major change to this year’s testing schedule is the addition of a gap week between testing sections. Instead of completing all portions consecutively, students now have time between the English exam and upcoming math and science tests.
Students say the adjustment has made a difference.
“The break is really going to help me prepare for the math and science part,” said junior Daniel Gamboa. “I think the English part went well, and so now I feel more prepared for the upcoming week.”
While much of the focus is on student performance, teachers have also played a key role in creating a supportive testing environment. From preparation throughout the year to small efforts during testing, their involvement has helped create a positive mindset, reminding students that their teachers are rooting for their success.
“Providing snacks for students during testing hopefully helps ease stress,” said English teacher Rosemary Gilbert, who echoed many teachers’ reactions to their students’ concentrated efforts during testing.
“Teachers agreed that students rocked the test this year!” said Gilbert, commending the juniors’ willingness to take their time and thoughtfully evaluate each response. With the English section behind them, the hope now is that students carry that same focus into the next round of testing.
Testing resumes Tuesday, April 28, and concludes Thursday, April 30.
