Assessment

PACT students take both Math and Reading diagnostics three times per year. This is a requirement of enrollment and part of your Master Agreement. These diagnostics help your Adviser develop an educational program for your child, help you examine patterns in learning and growth, and serve to meet state requirements for documentation of adequate educational progress for Independent Study students.

Having accurate data on your student’s abilities is critical to being able to get them the learning and skills they need.  Please help us achieve this by setting your student up for success with iReady.  Here are some tools to support you in doing that.

• This video (in English and Spanish) gives a parent overview on preparing a student to take the iReady diagnostic at home

• This checklist (in English and Spanish) helps you prepare your student and gives you ideas on what to expect if they have questions.

CALIFORNIA ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND PROGRESS

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) computer adaptive assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the California Next Generation Science Standards. Students at Natomas Charter School participate in the CAASPP assessment program. CAASPP consists of the following assessments.

• SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENT CONSORTIUM ASSESSMENTS

English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics tests are administered in grades three through eight and grade eleven to measure whether students are on track to college and career readiness. In grade eleven, results from the ELA and math assessments can be used as an indicator of college readiness and the ELA assessments determine English proficiency for the State Seal of Biliteracy.

• CALIFORNIA SCIENCE TESTS (CAST)

The computer-based CAST measures student acquisition of the California Next Generation Science Standards. It is administered in grades five and eight, and once in high school. The new computer-based CAST replaces the California Standards Tests (CST) for Science.

• CALIFORNIA ALTERNATE ASSESSMENTS (CAA)

The computer-based CAA for ELA and CAA for mathematics is administered to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in grades three through eight and grade eleven. Test items are aligned with the CCSS and are based on the Core Content Connectors. The instructionally embedded CAA for Science is administered in grades five and eight, and once in high school.

Pursuant to California Education Code Section 60615, parents/guardians may annually submit to the school a written request to excuse their child from any or all of the CAASPP assessments. Excusal from testing is discouraged as charter renewal and state accountability are based on both student achievement and participation in the annual assessments. In this case, your child will be given an alternate assessment. The decision to opt out of required assessments may impact your child’s ability to participate in Independent Study. Please contact your academy principal for more information.