The CAASPP test, California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, is a state issued evaluation given to students from public schools. At Aliso Niguel High School, juniors were given approximately two weeks to complete these exams during designated periods.
CAASPP testing includes three lengthy and detailed sections: english, math and science. For each section, writing and multiple choice responses are included.
Konrad Lee (11) shared, “I found CAASPP testing such a long and grueling experience, especially if you finish early or just aren’t in the mood to answer so many questions,” she added, “the English section was definitely the most annoying part because of the length.”
While the entire assessment is draining and likely boring to most students, it also gives them an opportunity to raise their letter grades if they were to score high enough. Since state testing is scored on a four point scale, four being the most advanced, the school administration incentivized students to work hard by rewarding anyone with a score of four a grade boost.
Claire Hirakawa (11) commented, “I believe state testing is a divine test because it can boost your grade. Other than that though most people don’t even try so it gives me motivation to do better to be in the top range for a boost grade.”
The CAASPP test alone seems like a chore waiting to be done, but the school’s rules which associate one’s testing score to their grade was a good implementation to not only help students, but also the school itself. Last year, Dr. Mahindrakar went to individual classes to emphasize the importance of scoring highly on the CAASPP assessment. The reason for this was not only wanting to appear intelligent to the state, but also, he strived to have better scores than Trabuco.
Ultimately, last year ANHS became the highest performing school within the Capistrano Unified District as a result of our scores. This year, students have the same potential to do just as good or better than before by having a bell schedule designed to accommodate state testing.
While other grade levels do not have to do the CAASPP, they only have to accommodate shorter class periods, longer Wolverine Plus’ and longer passing periods. However, there are still students who prefer a typical bell schedule and would not want to be in Wolverine Plus for up to 50 minutes.
State testing being conducted before spring break is also efficient for many students by not having them during AP review season. Nonetheless, it definitely takes time away from teachers being able to help students learn for a small period of time.
Overall, yearly CAASPP assessments are not the most desirable test for students to take; however, its ability to raise students’ grades, especially before applying to college, makes it a manageable and effective evaluation tool that students do not mind taking.
