Colton, CA—The annual state test, known as the CAASPP, is coming in April, and Colton High is getting its juniors ready to rock and roll.
On Jan. 10 during fifth period, Colton High kicked off this year’s testing season with its second annual “CAASPP-Chella” assembly for all juniors.
The assembly brought student awareness to the test, introduced opportunities for perks and incentives, and provided a number of testing strategies presented by CHS seniors who were successful on last year’s exam.
CAASPP is the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress test. It assesses student performance in English-Language Arts, mathematics, and science. Students take the tests every year between grades 3-8, then for a final time in grade 11. The exam results are used to assist teachers, administrators and—most importantly—students with college readiness.
For juniors, the CAASPP is especially important. State universities in California use the results to determine student placement upon acceptance. They also consider overall school performance as an indicator of a school’s academic rigor, which can impact the acceptance of students. And for schools like Colton High, overall school performance on the exam is used by the state to determine funding.
Normally the test takes place at the end of April and beginning of May, but that did not stop Colton High administration from getting an early start promoting the test and its importance.
“We wanted to front load our students as they are in class,” said CHS Principal John Abbott, “and that they are keeping this in mind, making sure they stay engaged and learning as much as they can, so that they can do well.”
Over the next several months teachers will prepare students by assigning assignments, having them study the test, and allow them to grow familiar with it.
At the assembly, juniors were presented with a program featuring academic awards for 51 students who scored proficient on the 2023-2024 test and videos of this year’s seniors—now referred to as “CAASPP ambassadors”—providing helpful test-taking tips.
One strategy used for preparation was “actually understanding what I did in class,” said CAASPP ambassador Diana Ruvlacaba-Nunez.
Other strategies included: asking questions, pay close attention to lessons, and using other academic resources on campus, like tutoring, Saturday School, and studying MAPS test results.
Colton High Learning Specialist Danielle Fernandez shared with juniors about incentives they can earn by performing well on the CAASPP.
The most desirable of the incentives were academic cords to be worn at the 2026 graduation ceremony: gold cords for scoring proficient on a single test, crimson and gold cords for scoring proficient on both math and ELA tests, and a tricolor chord for scoring proficient or higher on all three tests.
Fernandez also shared there will be a raffle during testing week in which juniors have a chance to win many high tech prizes.
ASB will be hosting a spirit week before the testing window opens, from April 14-18. During that week, the school will hold a number of fun events, including a students vs. teachers kickball tournament, a “Pie the Teacher” lunchtime event, and many other fun lunchtime activities.
This year’s CAASPP test will take place from Apr. 23-May 2. The testing dates are as follows:
April 23 – CAST (Science)
April 24 – Math CAT
April 25 – Math PT
May 1 – ELA CAT
May 2 – ELA PT
