04/12/2021 IMPORTANT UPDATE: CAASPP and CAST Testing has been CANCELLED. Please see our letter to families.
The CAASPP (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress) and the CAST (California Science Test) are online tests that measure what your student knows and is able to do. The tests include many different types of questions that allow students to interact with the test questions. Results help identify gaps in knowledge or skills early on so your child can get the support needed to successful in school.
This year, students will take the following test(s) depending on their grade level:
For the 2021 spring administration of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) for English language arts/literacy (ELA), mathematics, science, students will be able to take their assigned tests remotely. Our priority is to keep our students and educators safe by following state, county, and local health and safety requirements associated with the current pandemic. Testing will run April 5, 2021-May 5, 2021.
Preparing a Device for the Test
In order to take the test remotely, the Secure Browser must be installed on the device the student will use to take the test. The Secure Browser app is compatible with most Windows, Mac, Chromebook computers and iPads. We appreciate your assistance in downloading the secure browser to the student's device. This browser is provided by the CA Department of Education. It can be uninstalled once tests are complete. Please find below, directions to install the browser yourself.
Scheduling the Test
Your homeroom teacher will contact you with instructions to schedule the test. Test sessions are offered in 2-hour increments. Students should schedule 3-4 sessions in order to complete all components of the test.
How Long will the Test Take?
Because of the adjustment to online administration, the Department of Ed has adjusted the test length significantly. Please see below for the estimated testing time provided by the California Department of Education.
Test Taking Guidelines
Students will take the test from the safety of their homes. The test administrator or examiner will connect with each child by computer. To make sure that each student receives the most accurate score, we are providing the following guidelines for student testing:
Other Resources
For additional information, please review this Parent Information Sheet or visit the Parent Resource Page which is continually updated.
To learn more about the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments or the CAST, go to the California Department of Education Parent Guides to Understanding web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/parentguidetounderstand.asp.
You also can look at sample test questions on the practice tests, which can be found on the CAASPP Web Portal at http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html.
Thank you for making sure your student is ready to test. With your help, we can ensure that each Method student, as well as all students in California, are provided with the best opportunity to succeed and show what they know.
If you have questions, reach out to your homeroom teacher or Jade Fernandez, Head of Schools.
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