Testing and Assessments

March 29, 2019

Another push to expand use of SAT in California amid criticism of test

One bill would let school districts give the SAT or ACT to all students, at state expense; another calls on UC and CSU to consider phasing out the tests altogether.

December 6, 2018

Ratings in updated California School Dashboard target more districts for assistance

Two near indicators – chronic absenteeism and college/career readiness – debut and reemphasize the need to boost attendance of younger students and better prepare high schoolers for post-graduation.

August 23, 2018

Renewed push to offer SAT and ACT as California's 11th-grade test

Superintendents say free college readiness testing for all would raise SAT/ACT scores and boost college admissions. Opponents say AB 1951 would undermine the usefulness of high school testing.

July 26, 2018

California kids who didn’t learn to read to get day in court

The lawsuit demands that the state improve reading and writing instruction in schools serving low-income students of color.

July 10, 2018

Pressure builds to change how California measures student progress on state tests

Student advocacy groups and academics are seeking to adopt a model other states use to calculate the impact of students’ test score growth, but state staff urge patience.

John Fensterwald And Mikhail Zinshteyn

April 9, 2018

California makes significant gain in reading on much anticipated national test

San Diego, Los Angeles and Fresno make notable growth among urban districts in the 2017 NAEP.

October 4, 2017

New poll: Safe and positive school environment more important than higher test scores

A survey of California registered voters also shows strong support for school districts to devote more funds and resources to addressing the needs of the state’s most vulnerable students.

Louis Freedberg, John Fensterwald, And Theresa Harrington

September 13, 2017

California gets waiver from administering old science tests, but only for last year

Students will take pilot tests based on new science standards.

Louis Freedberg And Carolyn Jones

August 29, 2017

Smarter Balanced scores could be delayed two more weeks

Due to inaccurate data, state now anticipates releasing this year's math and reading test results by Sept. 13.

John Fensterwald And Theresa Harrington

August 6, 2017

Growing number of California school districts offer students free college entrance exam

Three dozen California districts and charter networks say free tests raise expectations and remove a barrier for applying to college.

May 29, 2017

California students go online in record numbers to take Common Core-aligned tests, with few glitches

Familiarity with tests and increased Internet capabilities helped districts administer assessments, but state system experienced glitches when overloaded.

May 10, 2017

Teachers' concerns lead to changes in state's testing contract

The State Board of Education agreed to spend $1.5 million more on testing, including nearly $500,000 on new "Science Academies" intended to help teachers better understand the Next Generation Science Standards.

Theresa Harrington

April 28, 2017

Pilot science test underway in California, despite dispute with federal officials

Computer-based exam based on Next Generation Science Standards to be given through June.

Carolyn Jones

April 12, 2017

High schools turning to student portfolios to assess academic progress

Across California, 34 high schools and 12 districts have formed a network to promote performance-based assessments, including portfolios. These are the end product of months of intense collaboration, research, critical thinking and multiple revisions that students typically present in their senior year.

Ashley Hopkinson

April 6, 2017

College readiness program aims to boost AP scores

The National Math + Science Initiative program has led to improved Advanced Placement test scores in more than 725 schools in 34 states over three years.