What are the assessments available at Blue Ridge?
STAR 360 (August and May) - In-house assessment for math and language arts that can support learning growth over time and provide learning coaches insight in how they can adjust their lesson plans for their kiddos. This is very vital for WASC and School Renewal by our authorizing district.
Physical Fitness Test (Grades 5, 7, 9 in April/May) - CA schools assessment that aims to promote life-long habits of physical activity. The test covers six (6) fitness areas. For more information, HERE is the link to their FAQ section.
CAASP (April/May) (California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress System) uses the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment System) to provide our school with opportunities to improve and promote high-quality teaching and learning. Results can also be used to support learning growth and to provide learning insight in their instructional planning. Participation of this assessment is data used to support WASC, School Accountability Report, and eventually, School Renewal.
ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California) - Required state test for English language proficiency (ELP) that must be given to students whose primary language is a language other than English.
Why do we need to have 95% participation Rate?
We receive a penalty on our dashboard for each student who opts out lowering the scores of the students on our dashboard who do participate. To the right is the document which explains how the penalty is applied for each student that opts out of testing. Opt outs can take our schools dashboard from the green to the orange or red category. A school in the orange or red can be denied renewal of the charter and closed as a result of low performance on the dashboard.
Link to view Blue Ridge Academy's California School Dashboard Page: https://www.caschooldashboard.org/reports/15636280134312/2021