As an independent study public charter school, Blue Ridge prides itself on the abundance of resources and opportunities that are available to students based on their academic goals, learning styles, and educational philosophies. Our school’s mission and vision are at the forefront of every decision made.
As a public school, we also utilize rigor, state expectations, and progress monitoring to guide schoolwide improvement plans. Effective progress monitoring requires a multitude of data points to drive effective decision-making. Participation is critical to collecting data and utilizing that to target our goals and support as a school. To this end, the school is updating its policy as it pertains to participation in state testing (CAASPP and CAST) and local assessment benchmark tests (STAR360).
Beginning in the 24-25 school year, fall and spring participation in the STAR360 benchmark assessment will be required of all students TK-11. Your child’s teacher will continue to provide an assessment schedule that is mutually agreed upon, to ensure continued collaboration. Regular benchmark testing is essential for understanding a student’s learning process and needs. Not participating in benchmark testing during the assigned assessment window will trigger non-compliance.
Also beginning in the 24-25 school year, the Master Agreement will be updated to include that students who do not participate in the CAASPP and CAST assessments during the applicable grades (CAST for grades 5, 8, and 11; CAASPP for grades 3-8 and 11) will be provided an alternative grade-level, proctored exam. This alternative exam (CAASPP interim assessment) will only be held in person on a specific day and time.
It is essential for the school’s and the student’s success that all students participate in school-wide testing. Students who do not participate in either the CAASPP and CAST assessments or the alternative assessment will not be allowed to re-enroll for the following school year. If your child is not enrolled in the identified grades, participation in this testing is not applicable.
Please note that, while we strongly encourage participation in both our school STAR360 and the state CAASPP and CAST assessments, these above changes do not impact participation within the 23-24 school year.
These changes will allow the school to further develop its opportunities and continue to place greater emphasis on supporting and empowering students to demonstrate the values and skills that promote knowledge and critical thinking. We will continue to provide support and resources to students and families to ensure success toward their goals academically, emotionally, and socially.
We know that this is a material change to the school’s policy, and we want families to be fully aware of these changes that will take place next school year. Blue Ridge Academy and its Governing Board have reviewed every aspect of these changes, and do not make any changes without great care and understanding of what this means and how it may impact our school culture and community. Please know that we place a high value on both the education and opportunities that we provide our families.
For more clarification view the recordings and slides from the parent information sessions that were held on March 8th and March 11th.
Parent Info Session Testing Updates Recording
Parent Info Slides Testing Updates
Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding. The successful future of our students is a collective effort, and Blue Ridge will continue to provide high-quality programs and services, remain compliant with state requirements, and maintain a focus on student achievement.
Sincerely,
Samantha Haynes
Executive Director, Principal
Blue Ridge Academy
samantha@theblueridgeacademy.com