Notice about State Testing at SET (Seniors tomorrow!)

[prin...@sethigh.org]

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians,

State testing is extremely important for a charter school like ours because the test results of our small number of 11th graders for Math and English and 12th graders for Science can determine whether or not our school continues to exist.  With such a small class sizes, even one student not trying on the test can make the difference.  I can point to the exact students who made a difference for us 2 years ago when we were up for charter renewal.  Their work ethic and their love of our school is why all of us still get to call SET home today.  Students, all we ask is that you try your best.  There is nothing that you can study for, and we don't want you to be stressed about the test.  As long as you do your best, the school will be fine.

Keep in mind that doing well on these tests will allow you to skip placement exams at UC, State, and community colleges.  You might as well do well now so that you don't have to take a placement exam later!

The following is the official notice from Ms. Burge, our testing coordinator:

Dear Parent/Guardian:

There are many ways to measure your child’s learning. Your child’s teacher uses report card grades, classroom work, teacher observations, and end-of-year statewide test results to get a complete picture of your child’s learning. Students participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) each year. Your child will take the following tests, depending on their grade level or instructional program:

• • California Science Test (CAST), a required test in grade 12 (March 15, 2023)
  • Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts and math, required tests in grade 11 (May 9-10, 2023)

SET High School administers the summative assessments in person and on campus. All students must be in attendance. 

For more information on remote administration, visit caaspp.org/resources/parent-resources/. 

You are an essential part of your child’s education. To make sure your child feels comfortable taking tests, you can:

• • Explain to your child that these tests are tools to help them learn, and they should not be anxious or scared.
  • Explore the practice tests with your child at caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html so they can become familiar with the platform and setup of the tests.
  • Remind your child that you and their teachers want them to try their best and are there to help every step of the way.

You will receive your child’s results at or before the beginning of the next school year. The results will identify where your child is doing well or needs more help, so you can better support their learning at home, and teachers can better support their learning in the classroom.

To learn more about these tests, visit the Starting Smarter web page at ca.startingsmarter.org/, or review the Parent Guides to Understanding at cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/parentguidetounderstand.asp.

If you have questions, please contact Chelsea Burge/ Jessica Romero at chelse...@sethigh.org/ jessica...@sethigh.org ].

Sincerely,

The Testing Coordinating Team