The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) – Part 2
Thank you for continuing our series, The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).
Last week, you learned that this state test originated on January 1st 2014. It was part of the Educational Code, associated with Section 60640. You learned that there are several unique tests that are part of this system. You were introduced to the Smarter Assessments, which include the Summative Assessments, the Interim Assessments, and the Digital Library.
The results of these tests provide the scores of the students, their achievement levels, and information that will help in outlining in the overall academic performance of the students. This week, you will be introduced to the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) that are part of the state testing.
What are the California Alternate Assessments?
The California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) are academic tests that are designated for the English Language Arts, basic Literacy, and Mathematics. These tests are given to students that are in 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th grade who suffer from a cognitive disability. This test is given to those kids that lack the ability to take the online CAASPP test or Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments outlined in last week’s installment of this series. Kids that qualify for this test and are in the 5th grade and the 8th grade will also be required to take the CAPA test that covers Science.
These tests are given one-on-one by a certified and specially trained test examiner that the student knows. Additionally, in recent months, these tests have been given by using the CAASPP secured browser on computing devices. The purpose and intent of the alternative assessments are to provide a means to schools to accurately assess a student’s progress and performance without burdening the child with excess complications.
Preparation for the CAASPP and CAAs
Most schools and educational facilities will provide a general level of basic preparation to students that will be required to take the CAASPP or CAAs. The skills and abilities as outlined by the State of California are typically covered; however, this type of general preparation does not usually assist with students that are suffering from academic shortcomings. If you have a child that is line to take either the CAASPP or the CAAs, it is imperative that you consider one-on-one coaching/tutoring services.
Struggling students often require coaching/tutoring that is personally tailored to them and their unique issues. When reaching out for assistance in state testing preparation, you should consider your child’s current skill level, the academic gaps that they experienced in the past, milestones that must be reached prior to testing, and the budget that you have that you may allot to the project. Miracle Math Coaching currently offers a wide range of tools, services, and programs that are specifically designed to help students prepare for the CAASPP or CAAs.
