STATE TESTING
Grenada Elementary School District is building awareness around State Testing data for the purpose of advancing teaching and learning. This work involves carefully examining student performance data from a variety of assessments in order to inform instructional decisions at the classroom level and to further inform and guide procedures and policies at the school site and district levels.
CALIFORNIA ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND PROGRESS RESOURCES (CAASPP)
The CAASPP testing program has replaced the former Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program in the California. The CAASPP program includes Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) and performance tasks (PT) in English Language Arts and Mathematics for grades 3-8 and 11. Additionally, the California Science Test (CAST) will be also be given to students in grades 5, 8, and 11. The CAASPP assessments are designed to provide information that can be used to monitor student progress. The aim of these tests is to ensure that all students are being prepared on a path towards college and future careers upon graduating from high school.
CAASPP RESULTS
Student academic performance from state assessments is reported to the Board of Education in the fall of each year. The results of the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) are available on the CAASPP website.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT FOR CALIFORNIA (ELPAC)
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is the required state test for English language proficiency that must be given to students whose primary language is a language other than English per state and federal law. The ELPAC is aligned with the 2012 California English Language Development Standards.
The ELPAC consists of two separate assessments: one for the initial identification of students as English learners (ELs), and a second for the annual summative assessment to measure a student’s progress in learning English and to identify the student's level of English language proficiency. The testing window for the Summative ELPAC is February 1 through May 31. Student Score Reports are shared with parents in the summer following test administration.
RESOURCES
The resources contained below will provide additional information regarding the ELPAC.
HELPFUL LINKS
SCHOOL DASHBOARD FAQ’S
What is the CA School Dashboard?
The Dashboard is an online tool that shows how local educational agencies and schools are performing on the state and local indicators included in California’s school accountability system. The Dashboard is a key part of major shifts in California K-12 schools, changes that have raised the bar for student learning, transformed testing and placed the focus on equity for all students. The Dashboard provides information that schools can use to improve.
What information does the Dashboard include?
The Dashboard is made up of easy-to-use reports that show local educational agency or school performance on six state indicators and four local indicators (six for county offices of education). Users can search to see the reports for any local educational agency or school.
How does the new Dashboard differ from the older school accountability systems?
California’s new school accountability system provides a more complete picture of how schools are meeting the needs of all students. There are three important advantages to California’s new approach:
More than a single number: The multiple measures of student success define a quality education more broadly than a single test score.
Equity: There is an increased focus on identifying and addressing disparities among student groups
Supporting Local Decision Making: State accountability tools provide information to support local planning process around improving student performance.
How is the Dashboard intended to be used?
Parents/guardians, educators, other stakeholders, and the public can use the Dashboard to see how local educational agencies and schools are performing under California’s new school accountability system. The Dashboard provides a quick overview, with additional detail available, about overall performance and student group performance on multiple measures of student success. This will assist in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas in need of improvement for local educational agencies and schools
STATE STANDARDS
Grenada Elementary School District has a long-standing tradition of high academic student achievement. These efforts continue with the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These standards will challenge us to examine our instructional practices in order to reach higher levels of student engagement and academic rigor. We view this as an opportunity to seek out innovative tools and techniques for teaching and for creating more engaging and challenging learning experiences for students so that they will be better prepared to enter an ever-changing world.
THE STANDARDS
Subject Area Grade Level
English Language Arts (ELA) K-5th 6-12th
Literacy in History/Social Science, Science and Technical Subjects 6-12th
Next Generation Science Standards K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Middle School High School
English Language Development (ELD) K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Introduction to Common Core Standards for Parents: English - Spanish
HELPFUL CCSS LINKS
NGSS – NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) will replace the former CA Content Standards for science and provide a path forward towards strengthening student understanding and depth of knowledge of physical, earth, life, and environmental science. NGSS emphasizes the integrated relationships that exist between these four disciplines, incorporate mathematical and engineering practices, and promote critical thinking and problem solving throughout the learning process. The NGSS framework was developed with the participation of representatives from 26 states, content experts from higher education, professional scientists, and members from the National Science Teachers Association. Science teachers throughout PGUSD have begun aligning their instruction and teaching science lessons containing these new standards. The new science standards contain three structural components:
NGSS PARENT HANDOUT BY GRADE LEVEL
The links below contain additional information about NGSS and their implications on teaching and learning.