The Campanile THE CAASPP CRISIS

To encourage students to take the the CAASPP tests, the SmarterBalance testing agency has implemented harsher punishments for schools that do not achieve 95% student participation on the tests.

As a result, Paly’s CAASPP score dramatically decreased last year, falling below state standards by 59 points on the English Language Arts test and 66 points on the math test.

tests achieved or exceeded the standards in both sections.

e students that take the test do very well,” Olah said. “In the past it never mattered that we didn’t have everybody taking it or a certain percentage taking it, but it matters now that (the 95% rule) is being enforced.”

Senior Ishaan Batra said he opted out of the CAASPP tests last year because he saw no bene t to taking them. gured that there would be a better use of my time,” Batra said. “(Opting out) other work, and I didn’t see any bene for myself to take it at the time.”

Batra also said school rankings should not be based on CAASPP testing when there are other national tests that are

“For example, you could look at ACT or SAT test averages or percentage of kids that take AP or Honors classes to get the same results,” Batra said. ere are a bunch of other factors that one could use to determine the competitiveness of a school. I don’t think (CAASPP ratings) would play a huge role as long as it’s noted that only a small of those times that as a school, we’re asking you to give back to the school. For juniors, you have the chance to set the bar for when you are applying for colleges the next year when the scores come out.”

Dinu Deshpande Sports Editor