The document contains responses to frequently asked questions about student test scores on California's new standardized tests aligned to more rigorous college and career readiness standards. The tests measure different standards than previous exams, so scores may not be directly comparable. The exams are computer-adaptive, so two students at the same grade level can receive different questions tailored to their ability. A low score in one subject area does not necessarily indicate below grade level performance in other grades. Parents are advised to speak with teachers for guidance on supporting students in areas of weakness. More information about the new standards and tests is available on the California Department of Education website.

2. What do the numbers really mean? Why this score range?
The numbers result from a complex calculation that factors in
question difficulty on an adaptive test. Naturally, the exams
become more difficult as students progress through higher
grade levels and the scale scores illustrate that change in
difficulty.

3. My child has always been advanced, but is now scoring below standard.
What does this mean?
The State of California approved new, more rigorous college and career
standards and the new state tests measure how well students are
adjusting to these new standards. Since the old test and the new test
measure different standards, it is like hitting the restart button and
starting over again. We’re really excited about these new standards as
they are asking students to think more deeply and to engage in more
complex problem solving. These new test results will help teachers
adjust what and how they teach their students and help our school focus
on effective professional development for teachers.

4. My son’s friend said that his test had different questions,
how could that be if they are taking the same test at the
same grade level?
The test is computer adaptive meaning that students are
given different questions based upon how they perform on
earlier items. As a result two students will have very different
exams that test the same grade level standards.

5. My student didn’t get a score for one of the claims. What
does this mean?
For this particular area within the test, your child did not
complete enough questions to generate a claim score.

6. My 3rd grader received a 2610 for his ELA exam. Does this
mean that he exceeds grade level standard in 4th and 5th
grade too?
No. Your child was only assessed on 3rd grade standards and
the results are only reflective of performance for his third
grade level test. The challenging 4th and 5th grade standards
were not assessed on the 3rd grade test.

7. In the past, my English Learner performed better on the
mathematics test than the English-Language Arts test.
Now, his English-Language Arts test score is higher than
mathematics. Why?
The new mathematics standards are far more rigorous than
in the past. The mathematics test requires students to
demonstrate their understanding of mathematics in far more
complex ways including explaining their math solutions or
rationales in writing.

8. My child scored below standard in some of the mathematics
claim areas. What can I do to support her for next year?
I would encourage you to talk to your child’s teacher about
the instruction occurring in the classroom and how you can
best support them at home.

9. Where can I go to learn more about these new state tests?
You can read more about the new state tests by going to
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/. The new state testing
system is called the California Assessment of Student
Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System. The test results
you are asking about are called the “summative” tests.

10. How do I find out more about the new standards?
The California Department of Education has a list of resources
for parents and guardians located at
http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/ccssresourcesparents.asp.
Additionally, you may find the resources available through the
PTA most informative at http://capta.org/focus-
areas/education/common-core/.