Standardized Testing
CAASP
The state of California is now administering a new standardized test called the CAASPP. This test will be given in the spring of each year and will test students in the areas of English and math. Smarter Balanced is the name of the company that has created the new CAASPP tests that align with the common core curriculum that is now being taught in all California public schools.
Smarter Balanced assessments offer significant improvements over tests of the past, including writing at every grade, new question types, and performance tasks that ask students to demonstrate an array of research, writing, and problem solving skills. Smarter Balanced assessments also make use of computer adaptive technology, which provides more accurate information about student achievement.
STAR
The STAR program looks at how well school and students are performing. Teachers and parents can use test results to help improve student learning. Eighth grade students are tested in Science.
Sample STAR test questions for parents and teachers are available at the following website: www.starsamplequestions.org
Sample questions from the California Standards Tests include questions from each grade level, information about levels of performance and grade-level parent’s guide.