CAASPP School Site Parent Letter 2022

May 5, 2022

Dear Parent/Guardian:

There are many ways to measure your child’s learning. Your child’s teacher uses report card grades, classroom work, teacher observations, and end-of-year statewide test results to get a complete picture of your child’s learning. Each year, students participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), which is an umbrella term for all required state testing. In a few weeks, your child will take the following tests, depending on their grade level:

• Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts and math, required tests in grades 3–8 and 11
• California Science Test (CAST), a required test in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school

This year, Buena Vista Virtual Academy will give the summative assessments above in person. Evidence indicates that students perform better when asked to test in a quiet testing environment with their peers. However, we understand that some families have extenuating circumstances that require testing to be done remotely. If you need your child to take the test at home, please let me or your child’s teacher know at least two days prior to the start of the test day, so we can make arrangements and send you information about what you will need to do for remote testing, including downloading a secure browser on your personal computer. 

You are an important part of your child’s education. To make sure your child feels comfortable taking tests, you can:

• Explain to your child that these tests are tools to help them learn, and they should not be anxious or worried.
• Explore the practice tests with your child at caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html so they can become familiar with the platform and setup of the tests.
• Make sure they get a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast on test days.
• Remind your child that you and their teacher want them to try their best and are there to help.

You will receive your child’s results at or before the beginning of the next school year. The results will identify where your child is doing well or needs more help, so you can better support their learning at home and teachers can better support their learning in the classroom.

The testing schedule is below and grades are color coded: 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th & 8th 11th & 12th