Pomona Unified Ready for Challenge of New State Tests

More than 12,400 Pomona Unified students this spring are tackling challenging new state tests in math and English language arts (ELA) that will assess writing, critical thinking and problem-solving skills emphasized by the new California Standards, previously referred to as the California Common Core Standards.

Now through May 22, PUSD students in grades three through eight and grade 11 are taking computerized tests developed by California and 21 other states working together as the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) to gauge instruction in the California Standards concepts.

California ran a statewide field test of the SBAC exams in 2014; this is the first year that scores will be reported to schools and parents.

“The results of these new tests will provide critical information in our effort to continually refine our approach to educating Pomona Unified’s youth,” said Board of Education President Andrew Wong. “This is an exciting time in education and provides our students the opportunity to gain the tools they need to succeed as they pursue their chosen college and career paths.”

The ELA and math tests are the centerpiece of the new California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The program, which includes science tests and alternative assessments for students with learning difficulties, replaces the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) system in place from 1998 to 2013.

“Using technology at this scope and level for testing seemed almost impossible five years ago when California adopted the Common Core State Standards,” said Silvia San Martin, Pomona Unified’s Director of Accountability and Assessment. “But our teachers, administrators, computer technicians and our students have all contributed to a smooth implementation – making what once seemed impossible, possible.”

Over the last two years, Pomona Unified dedicated part of its transition funding to equip schools with new computer labs, update existing facilities, train site test coordinators to ensure testing accommodates varied individual student needs – including disabled and English learner students – and create a collaborative, cross-departmental team to ensure schools are prepared for testing and supported during the process.

“This year, we are establishing a baseline for academic performance that will, along with many other measures, ensure our students are ready for college and career when they graduate,” Pomona Unified Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “I’m proud of the PUSD team for making this challenging transition a smooth one.”

Districts are expected to receive results about four weeks after testing and will be able to aggregate results by school, grade level and student group.

Parents will receive a two-page report within eight weeks of testing. The report will give a student’s scores for ELA, math and science, the student’s achievement level and a comparison to average student scores on California’s 2014 field test of the exam. Eleventh-graders will receive data on readiness for college-level ELA and math courses.