Statewide Testing Grades 3-5 (actual dates/times vary by teacher)

Parent and Guardian CAASPP Notification Letter (Remote Testing)

 Dear Parent/Guardian:

 Each spring, students in grades 3-8 and 11 participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) to provide information about their skills in English-language arts/literacy (ELA), mathematics, and science.  These computer-based assessments reflect California’s rigorous academic standards, and measure students’ ability to write clearly, think critically, and solve problems—skills needed for success in college or career. 

 Your child will take the following tests, depending on their grade level or instructional program:

 Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Assessments (SBAC) - Grades 3-8 and 11

The SBAC assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in ELA and mathematics.  In grade eleven, results can be used as an indicator of college readiness.

 California Science Test (CAST) - Grades 5, 8, and 11

The CAST is aligned with the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) in Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Earth and Space Sciences. 

 California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) - Grades 3-8 and 11 for ELA and Mathematics; Grades 5, 8, and 11 for Science

Only eligible students whose individualized education program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments may participate in the CAAs. The CAAs are administered to students one-on-one, and measure student progress toward alternate achievement standards aligned with the CCSS and CA NGSS.  

 Remote Testing

Since your child is participating in remote instruction, your child may take some or all of their assigned state tests remotely this year.  If your child will take any state assessments remotely, please review the following guidelines:

1. You may assist your child with setting up the technology used to enter the test session.
2. To maintain test security, do not talk about the test questions or any test materials with anyone before, during, or after the test. 
3. No one may record the test, or use a camera or other device to take pictures of the test questions or of your child taking the test.  This helps to keep the questions confidential.
4. During the test, a teacher will observe your child using a web camera and microphone. The camera is only used to observe your child and their surroundings during the test and will not record the session.  
5. Students must use a district issued Chromebook for testing even if you have another device at home they can use. You may contact Angie Weiss to check out a district device for testing. She can be reached via e-mail at: angieweiss@iusd.org or by phone at (949)517-1500.

 Helping Your Child Prepare for Testing

Here are some tips to help prepare your child for testing:

1. Talk about the tests and encourage your child to try their best.
2. Take a practice test with your child at http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html.
3. Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before testing.

 Test Scores and Additional Information

CAASPP assessments provide one piece of information about student progress and should always be interpreted as one of multiple measures of a student’s skills.  When your child’s scores are available, you will receive an automated email with directions for accessing results in the Parent Portal.

 For more information about the assessments, please visit the IUSD Statewide Testing website at iusd.org/statewide-testing or the California Department of Education’s Starting Smarter web page at ca.startingsmarter.org.  

If you have any questions, please contact our CAASPP Testing Coordinator, Shellie Bittner, at: shelliebittner@iusd.org

 Sincerely,

 Jeffrey Warren