La Habra City School District
Supporting Student Success
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)?
The CAASPP is the new California Assessment that replaced the STAR Assessment system. The CAASPP is based on the Common Core State Standards and measures how well students are learning the skills and knowledge to meet the demands of today’s world.
How is the CAASPP different from the previous STAR test?
The STAR was a multiple choice, fill in the bubble, paper-based test. The CAASPP is a two part computer based assessment. The first part is an adaptive test taken on a computer that gives students different follow-up questions based on their answers, thereby providing a more refined picture of a student's abilities. The second part is a performance task that challenges students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems. The two parts measure depth of understanding, writing, research, and problem-solving skills. The test also requires students to be familiar with and able to use the technology.
What are the Common Core State Standards?
The Common Core State Standards were adopted in California in 2010. The standards represent more rigorous requirements of what each child should be able to know and do to be college and career ready. The standards integrate higher order thinking skills and require students to apply their knowledge and skills in real world contexts.
When did the La Habra City School District begin teaching to the Common Core State Standards?
The Common Core State Standards for writing were introduced formally during the 2012-2013 school year. In 2013-2014 the focus was on the Reading standards and emphasis on developing instructional practices that required higher levels of thinking (Depth of Knowledge) while continuing to develop instruction to implement the writing standards. The Common Core Standards for Math were formally introduced in the 2013-2014 school year when the former CST Assessment, based on the old standards, ended.
Common Core Standards Focus
| Year | English Language Arts | Math |
|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | Intro to Common Core | CG I K-2 |
| 2012-13 | Writing Standards | CGI K-3, ECM 4-6 |
| 2013-14 | Reading Standards, Depth of Knowledge(DOK) | CGI K-3, All 3-8 |
| 2014-15 | Speaking & Listening Standards | |
| 2015-16 | Read/Write Connection, Language Standards, DOK, Integrating Initiatives | |
What do the new test results represent?
The CAASPP test scores for English Language Arts and Math cannot be compared to previous test scores. They are a starting point for students’ continued growth in college and career readiness. The tests provide information that teachers can use to guide their instruction.
What do the test results mean for the La Habra City School District?
The CAASPP results are one measure of student performance. We are using the individual student results to analyze our instructional program in order to provide ALL students with an instructional program to meet their individual needs.
How is the La Habra City School District supporting teachers during this time of transition?
The Standards are not the curriculum, they are indicators of what students should be able to know and do. Lessons must be developed to provide students the opportunity to apply their knowledge. Teachers are supported through professional development opportunities. Focused planning time is built into every schools weekly schedule. In addition dedicated Professional Learning Community meetings occur weekly during early release time on Wednesday at the K-2 and 3-5 schools and on late start Thursday at the 6-8 schools.
How do English Learners and students from low income families perform on the CAASPP?
The results of the CAASPP indicate the state has a persistent achievement gap—significant differences in scores among students from low-income families, English learners and some ethnic groups when compared to other students.
What percent of students in the La Habra City School District are from low income families or English learners?
In the La Habra City School District 78% of students are from low income families and 41% of students are English learners.
How does the Local Control Funding Formula help the La Habra City School District?
Because we have such a large number of students that are from Low Income families and/or identified as English Learners, we receive additional Supplemental and Concentration funding from the State.
How is the District using these funds to support students?
The Board is required to annually approve the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). This 3-year plan, developed with input from stakeholder groups, specifically identifies actions the District will implement to support these ‘at-risk’ student groups.
What are some of the actions and services that are identified in the LCAP to support student achievement?
Recognizing that teachers need support as they adjust instruction to meet the requirements of the Common Core State Standards, the district has added Literacy Coaches for each grade span. Currently the LCAP also continues to support a districtwide Math Coach, Technology Coach, and Guided Language Acquisition by Design Coach.
How is the District monitoring student growth during the school year?
At the K-2 level teachers use district developed Multiple Measures that identify student expected performance levels and provide teachers the data they need to design their instructional program. In 2014-15 the district introduced the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) 3-8. MAP is a computer adaptive interim assessment aligned to the Common Core State Standards that measures student growth and helps teachers differentiate instruction.
What are some other areas of focus in the La Habra City School District?
In the La Habra City School District we understand the importance of physical fitness. In 2014-15 with support from Kaiser Permanente and St. Jude’s Medical Center we added Fit Kid Centers to our K-2 and 3-5 schools. This year one of the actions in our LCAP was the addition of two K-5Physical Education teachers. These teachers provide Standards aligned weekly lessons to our K-5 students.
Does the La Habra City School District use technology to support instruction?
With the help of funding from Measure ‘O’ the district has implemented a 1:1 iPad program 6-8. In addition, the district and school sites have used other funds to purchase iPads, laptops and computers to support instruction. Our Technology Coach provides teachers with training to help them use the technology to support instruction.
What are some other initiatives being implemented to support student learning?
The District supports the belief that enjoyment and interest in school are good predictors of student success. Teachers receive training to challenge our advanced students and to design lessons that support students’ engagement and interest. This year our theme is: ‘Embracing a Growth Mindset’. We are encouraging our students to – embrace learning and growth; understand the role of effort in creating intelligence; and, maintain resilience in the face of setbacks.
What are some resources for parents to learn about the new standards and help their child?
The California Department of Education has resources for parents at www.cde.gov/re/cc. The California PTA also has a Parents; Guide to Student Success available at www.capta.org/commoncore.