Testing

Information on the Advanced Placement Test

 

 

 

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California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP, which has replaced the Standardized Testing and Reporting, or STAR Program, is the new state academic testing program. CAASPP is a system intended to provide information that can be used to monitor student progress and ensure that all students leave high school ready for college and career. This year, CAASPP includes computer adaptive tests in English–language arts and mathematics (Smarter Balanced Assessments, which are nationally-normed tests) as well as paper-based tests for science (part of the old STAR system, which are state-normed).

What was the purpose of last year’s CAASPP field test?

Last year, most students in California participated in a computer-based field test. This practice test allowed students to experience computer-based testing and new types of questions. In addition, the field test also helped evaluate how well districts’ technology systems could meet the demands of computer-based tests, and determine what resources teachers and schools would need to better prepare students for future assessments.

When will we test at Tustin High School?

Lessons learned from last year’s field test will help ensure a successful, full launch of the CAASPP system this school year. In moving forward, students will take the CAASPP tests in 10th and 11th grade from mid-to-late May.

How can I learn more about the test?

To learn about the types of questions on the computer-based test, you and your child can view the practice test online at the California Department of Education (CDE) Smarter Balanced Practice Test Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/practicetest.asp. If you would like more information on CAASPP testing, please visit the Parent/Student tab of the California Department of Education CAASPP Web page at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/.

Will parents/guardians receive individual score reports?

Following the spring 2015 testing, students will receive individual score reports. Student score reports will be sent home to parents and will include an overall score, a description of the student’s achievement level for English–language arts and mathematics, and other information.

Can CAASPP scores be compared to STAR scores?

It is important to note these scores cannot be compared to scores your child previously received on the STAR Program tests because this test is based on the new Common Core State Standards, involves different types of test questions, and will not be reported using the STAR Program reporting categories. The STAR Program had five reporting categories or proficiency levels, while CAASPP has four reporting categories. According to the recently established proficiency levels for CAASPP testing, the Smarter Balanced test consortium informed the public that 41 percent of 11th grade students are expected to show proficiency in English/language arts, and 33 percent will do so in math. In elementary and middle grades, 38 to 44 percent will meet the proficiency mark in English/language arts, and 32 to 39 percent will do so in math. In Tustin Unified School District, we expect the percent of students who will achieve proficiency on CAASPP tests will decrease from previous STAR results; however, we expect to exceed state and national proficiency levels.

If you have any questions regarding your child’s participation, please contact Corinne Pysher, at (714)730-7414, ext. 87160, or at cpysher@tustin.k12.ca.us.

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a standardized test that provides practice for the SAT. Juniors will have the opportunity to enter the NMSC scholarship programs. 

More information can be found here: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and ACT (American College Testing)

Most universities will require students to take a college entrance exam as part of the application process.
Please check with individual university websites for entrance exam requirements. The two exams that most universities accept are the SAT and ACT.

To register for SAT or ACT exams please visit individual websites:

SAT: http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-us-dates

ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/regist/dates.html

SAT vs. ACT: http://www.princetonreview.com/sat-act.aspx

*SAT II Subject exams are no longer required except for highly competitive universities.*

Tustin Assistance League: http://www.altustin.org/?page_id=249

Revolution Prep: https://www.revolutionprep.com/

Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com/

Kaplan: http://www.kaptest.com/