CAASPP scores reach new heights

Last year, juniors took the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The CAASPP was developed to be different than previous standardized tests such as the Standardized Testing for the Assessment of Reading (STAR) testing because it focuses on the new Common Core Standards. With the inclusion of critical thinking and application of real life scenarios, the CAASPP incorporates a different style of questions than the styles of  previous standardized tests. This new format contains material to prepare students for future educational courses as well as the real world.

“[The test] definitely included more writing, and [it] wanted [students] to explain [their] choices and why [they] thought things were right,” senior Rose Becker said. “I liked how the math was more thought-provoking.”

The CAASPP testing employs the updated Common Core Standards as the new curriculum. Thus, the prompted questions now test students on their proficiency of the current standards. Compared to the previous standardized tests, the CAASPP avoids questions based on straight memorization. Conversely, students are required to explain how they came to their conclusion on a question. This way, they can fully comprehend the new material and eventually apply new methods of problem-solving to real-life situations.

Peninsula’s high scores can be attributed to support and preparation from English and math teachers alike, as they took it upon themselves to ensure that their students would be ready for the new testing.

“[Our school did so well on the testing] because we focused a lot on preparing for it, and [the teachers] taught us how we should answer the questions,” senior Cat Phillips said.

According to the Pasadena Now Newsmagazine, 77% of Palos Verdes Peninsula High School (PVPHS) students met or exceeded the state standard for the English and Mathematics sections, and had a 1.99% increase from the      CAASPP results from the previous year. Peninsula students worked hard to ensure that their results would reflect an improvement from the previous year and took pride in the overall score improvement.

“I think we have always held ourselves to a high standard. It can be a very competitive atmosphere, but I think that [the] competitive attitude [at] Peninsula also makes people strive to do better,” senior Joey Black said. “[The students] are putting more effort into doing well on the test and in their classes. People know that the test does not directly impact themselves, [but] the school will [be affected by it].”