The CAASPP test is the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, and it’s coming to BHS in a few short weeks.
Each year, juniors take the CAASPP test in Math and English Language Arts, and the CAST test in Science. The math test asks students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, while the ELA test asks them to analyze information from multiple sources. The CAASPP tests measure student’s college and career readiness as well as their progress thus far in high school; results are printed on students’ transcripts.
“The test allows us to monitor how well our students are learning the curriculum in their core classes,” said Burroughs CAASPP Testing Coordinator Elijah Colpitts.
Junior Lisha Bryant isn’t anxious about the test coming up this April.
“I’ve taken a practice test in my English class,” said Bryant. “I’d say it was pretty easy and it did help me understand how to get the best answers and how the point system works.”
Practice tests are available on the CAASPP.org website, www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html .
The score range for ELA is 2300-2900 with a 2583 designated as meeting standards. For math, the score range is 2280-2900. A 2628 must be achieved to meet standards.
“Our goal is that our students meet standards or above,” said Colpitts. “The best way to achieve this is to have a great attitude and complete it to the best of your ability.”
Another focus is for students to improve over their eighth-grade performance and show growth.
Currently, teachers are exploring ways to encourage students to take the test seriously and to try their best.
“We are brainstorming incentives,” said English Department Chair Susie Burgess.
Up for a challenge? Last year, senior Ashley Harrington received a perfect score of 2900 on the ELA portion of the test. Harrington was the first in Burroughs history to receive a perfect score on any portion of the CAASPP test. Maybe you’ll be next.
Bring your best brains because the first day of testing is Apr. 16.
