MS Student Surf Guide

Start in the surf shop and see what Kahuna offers before you start your journey. Click each board to check it out!

1. Surfboard 1 "CAASPP: What is it?"   

   • Watch a video with information about the CAASPP, in general. 

2. Surfboard 2 "Understanding the Score Reports and Areas" leads to a site called "Starting Smarter".

   • Explore this site for understanding scores, exploring questions, exploring prompts/rubrics/student samples for Performance Tasks.

     • • Choose a subject and your grade, then "Submit". 

       • Check out the Sample Score Report at the bottom of the page, too.

3. Surfboard 3 "Check out the Test Questions"

   • • • Choose a subject, grade, and area, click Submit.

       • Check out sample questions and their correct answers.

4. Surfboard 4 "Check out the Test in Action" leads to the official CAASPP sample test site.

   • • • Log in as Guest, then select the practice test you'd like to take.

       • Take the test and practice using the tools and using testing strategies as you go.

Hungry for information? There's a lot on the menu! What will you order up?

1. The top-left frame on "Performance Tasks" opens a video about the Performance Task, what it is, and how to prepare.

   • • Watch this video to better understand the ELA Performance task.

     • This menu item pairs well with student samples of writing found on the menu item, "What to Writing Tasks Measure?"!

2. The menu item, "What Do Writing Tasks Measure?" is a CAASPP-provided source (Smarter Annotated Response Tool) allowing you to explore past test writing prompts and student samples with scores. 

   • • One use is to click the green button, Explore All Responses, where you can choose a grade level and purpose for writing. Then select a student response to look at together. Analyze the score it received and why. There is a pop-up for each sample that give the rubric grade it received along with explanation. Awesome tool!!

     • Another use is to explore the rubrics and related student responses by writing task: Narrative, Informational/Expository, Opinion/Argumentative. Here, you'll also need to select the grade level relevant to the grade you teach.

3. The menu item, "CalPac's Test Prep Sessions", is where you can check out upcoming live and/or recorded test prep sessions provided by CalPac teachers.

   • • Schedule a lunch date with the experts to learn the ropes!

4. The center menu item is "Tasty Test Tidbits".  It leads to individual slides with links to complete released tests and answer keys.

   • • Check out either math or Language Arts for your grade level, then browse through the questions and answers. 

5. "Writing Tool: Thinking Maps" is perfect for you if you like to sample all the options for brainstorming your writing!

   • • Download them all to use as tools to plan your writing for the Performance Tasks.

6. The "Math Menu" is the perfect item for sampling your grade level's math test. 

   • • Select your grade level, then filter for Claim/Test and/or Test Name.

     • Read through the Description, Claims, and information abou the skills you'll need to show mastery of on the test.

7. Finally is the "Parent Guide for Understanding CAASPP", a great menu item to order up for your parents.

Stroll out to the beach, where there are boards for you to take out for a test spin!

1. Try each board:  "ELA Testing Tips", "Math Testing Tips", and/or "Science Testing Tips" to dive into the content of each subject area of the test. You'll find slides with testing tips, sample questions, and strategies to use to do well on each.

2. Try the board, "Overview and Strategies", which provides an overall look at CAASPP, including what it is, what it looks like, testing tools, and test rules.

3. The board, "Bite-Sized Practice Tests", may look like it's had a run-in with a shark, but it's the perfect board for beginners! 

   • • Click it to navigate to Lumos Learning, which give you access to free SMALL practice tests by grade & subject. 

     • You'll see a login area at the top right (but don't log in!).  Scroll down the page and choose "English Smarter Balanced Assessment Practice", then select your grade and subject you'd like to try. 

     • These samples are only 4-5 questions each and are great to use with little time or experience required!

4. The last board "Ready for an Epic Ride?" provides a summary of the test and strategies discussed on this slide. Take it out to see if you're ready for the big waves!

After a long day at the beach, have a seat in the sand and watch the movie on the beach.

You'll find an 8-minute video about the Universal Tools available to you during the test, like highlighting, calculators, and more. 

Big Kahuna is a big fan of science! He has a special beach filled with treasures to explore that will help you prepare for the CAST (California Science Test). Come dig through all you'll find at the lab and on the beach!

1. The three boards on the left sweep you away to amazing and complete collections of PowerPoint slides on all science subjects found within each area of study. They are each filled with incredible visuals and examples that will walk you through concepts in fun ways! 

2. The plane's banner at the top whisks you away to three separate folders full of super enriching videos on a variety of science topics.

3. The starburst in the middle of the slide ("What's on the test?") whips up a document filled with links regarding content specifications by grade level. Use the last grouping in yellow on this document to preview science specifications for the 8th grade CAST.

4. Don't miss the useful tools you'll find hanging in the palm tree: a reference sheet, a scientific calculator, and a periodic table.

5. Finally, play the three Kahoots found in the beach ball, tower of the lab, and wooden sign next to the lab.  All link directly to Kahoot Challenges that you can play to prepare for the CAASPP. Have fun!

Stroll on out to the boardwalk, where the Boardwalk CAASPP Claw Machine is waiting for you. Play again and again (no quarters required!) for fun games that will help you prepare for the test!

Some of the games you'll find in the Boardwalk CAASPP Claw Machine:

• Quizizz Testing Strategies & Know-How

• Kahoot Universal Tools & Navigational Tools Challenge

• Kahoot Math Review Game

• Blooket ELA Skills Games

& More!

Phew! It's been a long day on the beach preparing for the test! Come kick back for a while. You've earned it!

1. Reward yourself with "Positive Affirmations". Give yourself the credit you're due and praise yourself for the amazing person you are. 

2. Go on a "Virtual Dive", where you can choose your destination and plunge below the surface to see coral reefs, underwater life, and more.

3. If you're feeling stressed about the test, relieve your woes by watching the video at "Conquering Exam Stress". 

4. Find a comfy reading chair and open the article at "Knowing Yourself; Knowing the Test". This was written by our very own Mrs. T and is a reflective and inspiring look at taking the test with a fresh perspective.

5. Lastly, enjoy the surfing dogs on TV. Who doesn't love a surfing dog? 😍🐶🌊