Category: Achievement

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 & […]

Supporting literacy: What a new survey shows, and one LEA’s efforts to get ahead of the curve

RAND American Teacher Panel findings released Aug. 29 show 40 percent of grade 3-8 teachers hold misconceptions about how students develop word-reading skills, and almost 75 percent say that they need access to more resources to identify and support students with reading difficulties. The San […]

Sonoma COE helped secure college and career pathway funds

Local educational agencies in Sonoma County have been awarded more than $9 million in Golden State Pathways Program dollars to help students prepare for and pursue college and career opportunities post-high school. The Sonoma County Office of Education, which acted as a lead agency in pursuit of a consortium grant, played a major role in encouraging and assisting school districts throughout the application process. 

High school graduation rates recovered quickly after pandemic disruptions

While students and school staff continue to struggle with challenges related to mental and behavioral health, academic recovery and more, graduation rates nationwide appear to have rebounded following initial disruptions caused by COVID-19, according to a report released May 30 by the National Center of […]