Sulphur Springs Union School District students made significant progress in the second year of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Smarter Balanced test. Not only have scores increased in the second year of this test, but SSUSD students’ scores also exceed the State’s average in every grade. These scores are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, parents, staff, and administrators.

Each spring, students in grade three through six participate in the Smarter Balanced state test. Smarter Balanced tests consist of two parts. Students take a computer adaptive assessment for the first part. The second part is a performance task that allows students to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and skills to problems in a real world setting. The two components of this test result in a more accurate measurement of the students’ understanding, research, writing, and problem-solving skills. Scores on the assessments are reported through four achievement levels: standard exceeded, standard met, standard nearly met, and standard not met. Students take tests in both English language arts and mathematics.

In English language arts, 60 percent of Sulphur Springs Union students scored as meeting or exceeding standards; this is an increase of 5 points from the previous year. The current state average is 46 percent in standard met or standard exceeded. English language arts scores are also broken down and reported through specific more defined areas: reading, writing, listening, and research. Not only did SSUSD “above standards” scores for students increase in all four of these areas, but the number of students in the “below standards” performance level significantly decreased by double digits in every grade. For example, in fourth grade, 17 percent of the students moved from “below standards” to a higher performance level.

In mathematics, the largest gains were seen among third and fourth graders. For all grades, 48 percent met or exceeded standards, which is an increase from the previous year and 10 points higher than the state’s 38 percent meeting or exceeding. The mathematics test consists of three specific areas: concepts & procedures, problem solving and modeling & data analysis, and communicating reasoning. On average, Sulphur Springs Union students exceeded the state in each of these areas as well.

Test results are just one piece of evidence of the momentum. The Sulphur Springs Union School District recognizes that this positive trend is a result of all stakeholders working together to prepare our children for college and career readiness. Students continue to participate in visual and performing arts. They also collaborate, communicate, think creatively and critically as they work with integrated technology on iPads (1:3 ratio). SSUSD is committed to continuing to transform our schools with high academic standards, rich and engaging curriculum, dedicated staff and parents, and a supportive community.

Individual student scores were mailed to parents. In addition, the California Department of Education provides a dedicated CAASPP Results Web site, where parents and the public can view results.