OCEAA prides itself on yearly testing improvement, but we recognize that sometimes it can be a bit difficult to find the bottom line – “how is my child doing?” To help facilitate that answer, we’ve put together this guide on the different tests we administer and how to best understand them.

Where does OCEAA stand?

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What are standardized tests?

A standardized test is a test given to students across the country in accordance to “No Child Left Behind.” Every student that takes this test is given the same amount of time to complete the test, and they take it under the same conditions. This helps the grading system to stay consistent for everyone. Standardized tests are written to assess student skills and knowledge on a very broad level.

What standardized tests are conducted at OCEAA?

OCEAA administers two different tests, the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) and the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC).

CAASPP

CAASP includes the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments. The summative assessments measure what students know and can do using the Common Core State Standards for English language arts/literacy and mathematics. At OCEAA, it is given to third grade students and above. It’s taken via computer and adjusts the difficulty of the questions based on the answers the students give.

Fifth and eight grade students will take the California Science Test (CAST). This test measures a student’s understanding of scientific concepts found in the life sciences, earth and space sciences, and physical sciences.

ELPAC

The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is used to determine English language proficiency of students whose primary language is not English. It tests listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English and also helps us to identify students who need help learning in English. After initial testing, in California it’s usually when students first enter school, all ELS (English Learners) are given a summative test in the second half of the year (see below).

How are standardized tests graded?

CAASPP

Section 1 and 4 indicate the student’s overall scores, overall statement of progress, and the corresponding achievement level for the English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics tests. To read more about the testing breakdown, please visit http://testscoreguide.org/ca/sample/.

CAASP ample tests - oceaa.org

ELPAC

The top part of the page gives the overall score and performance level. More information about the ELPAC levels can be found here: https://www.elpac.org/s/pdf/ELPAC.Understanding-Your-Student-Score-Report-Guide-Summative.2017-18.English.pdf.

ELPAC-sample-testing-page

The four ELPAC levels shown in the table below describe what students at each performance level on the ELPAC can typically do in English.
ELAC test scores - oceaa.org

Aprenda

More information coming soon.

Testing Resources

CAASP

Understanding CAASPP scores handouts
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/caasppssreports.asp

CAASPP parent videos (scroll down)
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/communicationskit.asp

CAASPP Online Practice and Training Tests
http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html

ELPAC

Understanding ELPAC scores handouts
https://www.elpac.org/test-administration/reporting/

ELPAC parent videos
https://www.elpac.org/resources/videos/

APRENDA