State Board’s proposed changes to student test score classifications could reduce public’s ability to accurately interpret results

The California State Board of Education (SBE) is currently accepting feedback on significant updates to the Student Score Report (SSR) that may impact how a student and their parents interpret the student’s results on state standardized tests.  

Modest progress on School Dashboard continues trend of sluggish growth

The California Department of Education (CDE) unveiled the latest edition of the California School Dashboard on Nov. 21, touting “continued progress in academic achievement and graduation rates” and a “decline in chronic absenteeism.” While some growth was evident, a look at the underlying data reveals a more complicated picture of student performance — one that demands greater scrutiny of the status quo, increased investment in public schools, and wider replication of local strategies that have accelerated student achievement and well-being.

Assessing 2023–24 CAASPP scores and achievement gaps

The California Department of Education recently released the results of the 2023–24 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). This is the fourth release since the state lifted testing requirements during the pandemic. CDE celebrated these results because some student groups saw positive progress that outpaced statewide averages in math and English language arts. There was notable improvement in some areas, particularly for some groups of historically disadvantaged students in certain assessments. However, the statewide improvement was exceptionally modest, and achievement gaps across student groups remain consistent.

LEAs working to promote critical thinking often use student input

Critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration are among the skills students need to be successful in life after high school. To foster those skills, local educational agencies must cultivate deeper learning and encourage students to be active participants in their education — but that can be […]

Academic recovery remains uneven, with gains higher in math than ELA

Evidence of academic recovery among students following COVID-19 pandemic disruptions has been mixed. According to a report released in September by the Brookings Institution, most data sources indicate small but promising signs of recovery in math and no widespread evidence of recovery in English language […]

State assessment results show little progress, raising concern for big picture

The 2023–24 scores for statewide English language arts (ELA), math and science assessments published by the California Department of Education (CDE) on Oct. 10 show little improvement or decline in most student groups compared to the previous year. Read a statement from CSBA CEO & […]