During last month’s testing, opting out of California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASP)was increasingly common and is starting to affect Poway High.
According to assistant Cindy Lewis, out of 507 juniors, 446 have taken or will be taking the test. For seniors, 363 out of 455 students have taken the state science test.
Some students persuaded their parents to opt them out of CAASP testing because the test does not directly affect them personally. Students also argue that if they are attending college, taking the test will not matter on their applications, and many do not seem concerned about using the scores to avoid placement tests and remedial classes
If too many students opt out, the school’s results and ranking may not even be counted.
“If we have less than 95% of our students take the test, then the score does not count at all,” Assistant Principal Cindy Lewis said.
This directly affects Poway High’s reputation. School ranking is not just a number, colleges pay attention to it, especially when reviewing applicants from competitive schools. For juniors applying next year, that ranking can play a role in admissions decisions and even waitlist outcomes.
“CASSP is very important because it helps show what we know and demonstrates how proficient we are as a school,” Principal Jonathan Penuliar said.
The effects go beyond college admissions as well. Test results can help teachers understand where students are succeeding and where they need more support. CAASP data can helpshape how classes are taught in the future. Skills tested in English, math, and science do not stay in those classrooms alone, as reading, writing, logic, and reasoning skills carry into every subject.
“The teachers at Poway High use the scores to see what skills students are doing well and what skills students are not doing so well on and how to improve it,” Lewis said.
Of course, there are valid reasons for students to opt out.Severe test anxiety or serious personal circumstances may make opting out understandable, as mental health concerns should be taken seriously.
Junior Mia Love was a student who took the CAASP test and advocates for taking the test to improve the school’s education system and help future generations coming into Poway High.
“I understand why people opt out because there’s no point if you’re not going to turn into scores for CSU’s, but with everyone opting out the people who wanted to use their scores can’t,” Love said.
