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. Each year, students participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Your child will take the following tests, depending on their grade level or instructional program:

• Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts and math, required tests in grades 3–8 and 11
• California Science Test (CAST), a required test in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school

This year, Alta Sierra Intermediate will give summative assessments, please see Alta Sierra’s testing schedule below.

Week of April 28-May 2: Science (8th grade)

Week of May 5-16: Science make-up and AB

Week of May 19-23: AB make-up and Math

Week of May 26-30: Make-ups

• Monday (no school Memorial Day)         
• Tuesday- Reduced Testing Time Due to BHS Grad Walk at ASI                   
• Wednesday               
• Thursday                   
• Friday No Testing due to ½ day (BHS State Track Meet) & ASI Assembly 

You are an important 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 teacher 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 go to 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 Alta Sierra Intermediate at 559 327-3500

Sincerely,

Jennifer Carter