Seniors, Prepare to Wake Up Early…or Something

Seniors may think that they are finally past the standardized tests that followed them all throughout middle and high school, but they are mistaken.

All seniors will be required to take the California Science Test this year which, according to Assistant Principal Katie Bendix, reflects SDA’s transition towards a new science curriculum. The science program- like math in the last few years- is taking a turn towards Common Core, which entails a different style of standardized testing. Science will now be geared towards independent problem solving rather than memorization, Ryan Cardenas, physics teacher, said.

“Our science program is in a transition to our NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) and that shift in our program is mirroring the CAST (California Science Test) assessment,” said Bendix.

The CAST will be administered on April 24 for students with last names A-J, and on April 26 for students K-Z. Classes will continue take place under a testing bell schedule. While seniors are participating, there will be educational activities taking place for sophomores and freshmen on campus throughout the morning. Juniors will be taking the CAASP test.

The staff recognizes that students may object to this test, she said, as seniors have never been required to take it before. If a student has a genuine concern or problem regarding this testing period there are solutions, she said. Students may be exempted from taking the test, after consulting with parents and staff regarding their issue, she said.

“It is within everyone’s right to be exempted from testing, but the data is really important for us as a school because it goes into the overall picture of how we’re performing as a school. The more students that participate, the more accurate that picture will become,” said Bendix.

In response to student unease, Bendix said that SDA staff is prepared to hold a meeting with all upperclassmen during the week of testing regarding the content and educational purpose of this new system.

“It is always a concern with our staff that students won’t take testing seriously, and we plan to have a meaningful conversation with everyone participating, just to provide them with the information about what this testing process and scores mean for us as a district and them individually as students,” she said.

The test consists of various online free response questions, according to the CAST website.  Despite the possible difficulties of implementing the California Science Test into second semester senior year, Bendix said that she is confident in SDA students’ capability to go “above and beyond” their previous scores.

“The scores are reported in terms of how successful a school is in their results, so a solid performance by our students makes the school look better. Doing their best while testing is a great way for students to contribute to their legacy here at SDA,” said Bendix.