The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, also known as the CAASPP test, is on the horizon for students here at Yorba Linda High School. For many, this test can often be daunting and dreadful, but students should see this test as an opportunity to show off their skills for many reasons. The primary purpose of the CAASPP System is to assist teachers, administrators, students, and parents by promoting high-quality teaching and learning through the use of a variety of different assessment approaches and item types (CDE). McKenzie Reiter (11) tells us, “Even though I am dreading the long week of testing, my teachers have prepared me very well so that I can excel on these tests. I have been informed about the benefits these tests can provide, so I am going to try my best.”
The CAASPP tests students in math, language arts, and science. These are the subjects that teachers will prepare students for before the week of testing arrives. Knowing that these tests do not impact course grades, juniors often feel that CAASPP tests are extremely pointless. Junior year can arguably be the hardest year of high school. It just so happens that AP testing finishes a couple of days before the CAASPP tests, which can make it much harder for students to put their best foot forward for these tests. However, the CAASPP has many benefits and many reasons why students should try their best on these tests.
The CAASPP test is administered to middle schoolers as well, but the test that will count the most will be the one taken during a student’s junior year of high school. This is because juniors who take this test will soon be applying for colleges in the summer, and this test can be used for colleges to recognize your school. Often, students do not put in their best effort on this test because it is a government test used to show teachers and administrators where students may need improvement. However, it is important for students to note that if you score well on this test and your school stands out amongst other schools in your district, it can benefit you when it comes to applying for colleges. Colleges will recognize that your school is more prestigious than the others due to the high scores and academic excellence. Colleges are more likely to accept students from a school with a higher CAASPP score.
CAASPP testing allows students to prepare for the future. Throughout your life, you are always going to have to take long tests, whether it’s an SAT, ACT, AP test, or tests that you will need for your future career. Tests are inevitable, and we always need to do them. With that said, the CAASPP can be seen as an opportunity to practice completing long tests. Being able to focus and perform continuously for an extended period of time is a very valuable life skill. In order to get the most out of the week of CAASPP, it is important that we set goals that can be beyond just scoring high. Rather, they can leave the test with time management skills or comprehend texts quickly within a short period. For students here at YLHS, there are grade boost incentives that encourage students to do their best on this test (Machronicle). Kennedy Conrad (11) states, “When I was informed about the grade boost that is being given for students scoring a 3/4 or a 4/4, it definitely made me want to try a little harder.”
Overall, CAASPP testing can be beneficial not just for students but also for teachers and schools. The CAASPP test measures student growth and performance, helps school funding, identifies areas of improvement for students and/or teachers, and provides schools with insight into whether students are on track to pursue college and a career. It also gives stakeholder engagement and ensures alignment with state standards. So, even though CAASPP is a long week of testing that can often become very dreadful, it is important to remember to not just skip and select random answers, but rather take your responses into consideration, knowing all the benefits the tests can provide (Cal-Pacs).
No matter how you feel about standardized testing, please remember that every response counts and it is important to try your best. If you feel like selecting a random answer on the test without trying, remember how much this test can impact your future. Also, remember that it can give you insight into subjects you might need help with. I am wishing all of the juniors the best of luck this week for testing!
