Plumas Lake Elementary School District

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
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The California Assessment  of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) system is a comprehensive standards-based educational assessment system for all students.  The expectation is that all students will be taught using curriculum alligned with the Common Core standards as defined by the state of California.  School staff will ensure appropriate formative assessments to guide instructional and planning decisions in order for students to experience success on the summative measure each Spring.  
 
Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment
The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments, consist of two sections: a computer adaptive test and a performance task (PT) based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for ELA and mathematics. The computer adaptive section includes a range of item types, such as selected response, constructed response, table, fill-in, graphing, and so forth. The PTs are extended activities that measure a student’s ability to integrate knowledge and skills across multiple standards—a key component of college and career readiness. 
 
Certain students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) who are receiving special education services in a program for students with severe needs, may take the alternative version of the summative assessment called the California Alternative Assessment (CAA).
 
In the Plumas Lake Elementary School District students in grades 3-8 will be provided a standards-based education which prepares them for the summative assessment each Spring.  In addition, they will be administered the interim assessments/benchmarks (IABs) in order to practice and prepare for the summative assessment.  
 
For current district performance, click:  California Dashboard
 
California Assessment of Science Test (CAST) 
The CAST is required for all students in grades five and eight.  Certain students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may take the alternative version of the CAST.  The CAST includes stand-alone or discrete items and performance tasks (PTs). The discrete item types consist of selected response, constructed response, table, fill-in, graphing, and so forth. The PTs measure a student’s ability to integrate knowledge and skills across multiple standards through extended activities.
 
The CAST is aligned with the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS). The State Board of Education adopted the CA NGSS in September 2013. 
English Language Proficiency Assessment for California

English Language Proficiency Assessment for California
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The English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) is the required state test used to determine (initial) English language proficiency for students whose primary language is other than English.  The initial ELPAC is administered to students within the first 30 days of school or within the first 30 days a student enters the school district.
 
The summative ELPAC is administered each Spring.  The ELPAC results are used to determine the necessary level of language instruction and support a student will require in order to be successful in both the development of the English language and in access to the educational standards.  

The ELPAC assesses the progress of English learners in listening, speaking, reading, and writing English.  Performance scores in the ELPAC are described by four levels of proficiency:  Level 1:  Beginning to develop, Level 2:  Somewhat developed, Level 3:  Moderately developed, and Level 4:  Well developed.  Students who achieve Level 4 should be considered for redesination as fluent in English.
 
Certain students with IEPs may experience difficulties with language aquisition which are directly linked to a disability.  IEP teams may consider redesignation prior to a particular student reaching Level 4.  Other students with IEPs may more appropriately be assessed with the Alternative ELPAC.  
 
Parents may find helpful resources regarding the ELPAC here.
 
The California Physical Fitness Test
 
The physical fitness test (PFT) for students in California schools is the FITNESSGRAM®. The main goal of the test is to help students in starting life-long habits of regular physical activity.
 
Students in grades five, seven, and nine take the fitness test. The FITNESSGRAM® has six parts, though California currently requires five parts be completed annually, that show a level of fitness that offer a degree of defense against diseases that come from inactivity. The test results can be used by students, teachers, and parents to support establishing and maintaining healthy lifestyle choices.  Parents may read more regarding the PFT at this link.