HUSD - Student Performance

Student Performance

en Español

This spring students will again be participating in the California’s Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. Statewide, students will be given the California Achievement Test (CAT 6), as well as the California Standards Tests. Limited English Proficient and Immersion students will also take the Spanish SABE/2 achievement test. Children with Severe Disabilities will take the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA).

As the state moves to a greater level of school accountability, more emphasis is being placed on the results of the California Standards test while less weight is given to the results of the CAT 6 in assessing school performance. The CAT 6 replaced the SAT 9, the norm referenced test that was used in prior years. This year’s results on the California Standards Tests will comprise 80 % or more of each school’s Academic Performance Index rating. The results of these tests are first used to determine student progress; they are also used to establish each school’s AYP under the Federal “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) requirements. Therefore, students and their schools have much at stake based on the test results.

You are an important partner in preparing your child for the upcoming testing. Your support offers your child the greatest opportunity for success. Here are some suggestions for preparing your child to do their best during testing:

Have your child get a good night’s sleep before taking the tests
See that your child eats a good breakfast each morning
See that your child gets to school on time
Urge your child to relax when taking the test
Remind your child to listen carefully to the directions for testing
Encourage your child to do their best
Avoid scheduling doctor, dental or other appointments on testing days.

By September, you will receive a written report of your child’s test results. The report will explain how your child performed on each of the achievement tests. We hope this achievement-testing program will be helpful to you and your child as you prepare for the future. If you need addition information about the STAR program please contact the Principal at your child’s school.

Sincerely,

Richard K.A. Jones
Director of Student Services