LBUSD students show continuous growth in CAASPP math results
Laguna Beach Unified students show continuous growth in CAASPP math results
Laguna Beach Unified School District Oct 9, 2019 Media Release
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today the statewide results of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics, which were completed by students in grades 3-8 and 11 last spring.
The latest data from the CDE shows that the Laguna Beach Unified School District continues to be one of the highest performing districts in California in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics.
Established in 2014, the CAASPP System is California’s academic assessment system that measures California Standard’s achievement for grades 3 through 8 and 11 in English and mathematics. Now in its fifth year, the computer-based tests use California’s challenging academic standards and ask students to write, think critically, and solve complex problems.
For the 2019 CAASPP test administration, LBUSD students once again maintained a high level of proficiency in ELA test scores and continuous growth in mathematics test scores. Over the last five years, LBUSD has increased the percent of proficient students in math from 66 percent in 2015 to 78 percent in 2019. Within that same time period, ELA test scores have improved from 76 percent to 82 percent.
“LBUSD has dedicated additional time and resources in recent years to update curriculum, assessments, and instructional practices,” said Dr. Chad Mabery, Director of Assessment and Accountability. “The annual CAASPP test scores are one of several important student outcomes that we utilize to measure academic growth towards college and career readiness. It’s exciting to see the consistent growth in student learning,” he concluded.
Academic test scores are part of the California School Dashboard, the new accountability system that replaced the Academic Performance Index, which will be used in conjunction with suspension rates, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism figures, college and career readiness data, and other local performance indicators to determine if schools and districts are making enough progress in support of student success.
“Our top in the state results year in and year out are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students. I am extremely proud of our teachers and staff for their dedication and commitment to LBUSD students,” said Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. “ CAASPP scores are important and, while they are just one piece of a much larger puzzle, we use the results t to guide and shape our instructional program to meet the needs of every student, every day,” he concluded.
Smarter Balanced ELA and mathematics tests consist of two parts: a computer-adaptive assessment and a performance task. The computer-adaptive assessment bases follow-up questions on a student’s answers in real-time. If a student answers a question correctly, they get a more difficult question. If they answer incorrectly, they get an easier question. The performance task challenges students’ ability to apply their knowledge and skills to problems in a real-world setting. The two parts measure the depth of understanding, writing, research, and problem-solving skills.
Because CAASPP tests are given statewide, they provide an opportunity to measure the skills of all students against the same academic standards in the same way. The results provide information schools can use to improve teaching and learning. Administered online, the tests are computer-adaptive, allowing the more precise measurement of individual skills.
The results are posted annually on the CAASPP results website. Parents receive a written report of their child’s scores and can compare progress from one year to the next. A guide to understanding the CAASPP student score report can be found on the California Department of Education website.
