** During the week of May 31st - June 8th, we will specifically be testing for the Math portion of SBAC.  Please read below for any additional questions. 

Dear Parent/Guardian:

 Each spring, most students in California participate in the statewide testing program, which is the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System. The tests in the CAASPP System provide information to teachers, parents/guardians, and students about students’ progress and readiness for college and career. In grades three through eight and grade eleven, most students take the Smarter Balanced online tests for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics. However, students who have a significant cognitive disability (as designated in their individualized education program) are eligible to take the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs). In grades five, eight, and ten, students are also tested in science.

This year, your child will take the following assessments for ELA and mathematics:

• Smarter Balanced tests for ELA and mathematics  

Our 8th Graders Will be taking one of the following assessment for Science:

o   California Standards Test (CST) for Science

Smarter Balanced Assessments

The Smarter Balanced online tests are based on the new California Content Standards, also known as the Common Core State Standards, for mathematics and ELA. While last year’s test results provided parents with baseline information on how their children were performing in ELA and mathematics, in 2016 parents will be able to compare results across two years (2014–15 and 2015–16) and determine their children’s progress in meeting California’s rigorous academic standards. (Exception: Only one year of data will be reported for students in grades 3 and 11.)

The California Department of Education (CDE) has developed several resources to help students and parents understand the grade expectations of the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments:

·      The Parent Guides to the Smarter Balanced Assessments (in English and Spanish) are posted on the CDE’s CAASPP Web page, under the Students and Parents Tab, at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/index.asp?tabsection=3#ssr. Separate guides have been developed for each of the three grade spans tested: grades 3–5, grades 6–8, and grade 11. Each guide explains the grade-level expectations for students in ELA and mathematics and provides sample test items.

·      The practice and training tests, which can be found on the CDE’s Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests Web page athttp://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/practicetest.asp, can help parents and students experience the type of test items that students will encounter on the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments. Answers to the practice test and scoring rubrics for the performance tests are posted on the Test Administrator (TA) Resources for the Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests Web page at http://www.caaspp.org/ta-resources/practice-training.html.

 Our students will be well prepared for the assessments because not only do the state assessments closely mirror their assessments in all classes as far as requiring evidence, argument, and explanation, but they also closely mirror the online testing students practice in class. 

Assessments for Science 

California has adopted new science standards and is currently developing assessments that are aligned with these standards. During the transition to new science assessments, students in grades five, eight, and ten will take the CST or CMA as identified above. 

For information on the new science assessments and who is eligible for each of these science tests, please see the CDE’s California Science Assessment FAQ Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/sciencefaq.asp#accordionfaq

If you would like more information about the CAASPP System, please visit the Parent/Student tab of the CDE’s CAASPP Web page athttp://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/index.asp?tabsection=3#ssr.

If you would like more information or resources about alternate assessments, please visit the CDE’s CAASPP Alternate Assessments Web page athttp://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/altassessment.asp

If you have any questions regarding your child’s participation, please contact Mrs. Bryant at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If your student has an IEP please contact Ms. Beach at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

_________________________________

Jacquie Bryant, Founding Principal

Intellectual Virtues Academy

3601 Linden Ave. LB 90807
ivalongbeach.org
Office: 562-912-7017
Cell: 562-787-4527