The state of California unveiled the 2022-23 CAASPP test scores on Oct. 18, shedding light on the academic achievements of districts across the state.
The La Cañada Unified School District reports high scores on the CAASPP assessment, showcasing the effort of the district’s students, the preparation provided by dedicated staff, and the investment made by the La Cañada community in the district’s educational program.
Aligned with California’s rigorous academic standards, the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English language arts and mathematics, as well as the California science test, or CAST, were conducted to evaluate grade-level learning and measure progress toward college and career preparedness.
In reviewing LCUSD’s performance relative to other school districts within the state, the focus is limited to “unified” school districts that enroll students in grades K-12.
Aside from a small 45-student district in remote Northern California that tested only 12 students, LCUSD ranked first in the state among unified districts on the English language arts assessment, with 88.66% of students meeting or exceeding the state target.
In mathematics, LCUSD students excelled with 85.12% meeting or surpassing the state-defined standards. LCUSD placed second in the state compared to other unified school districts, by only 0.84% behind San Marino Unified. The CAST results also reflected 79.58% of fifth, eighth, and 12th grade students meeting or exceeding standards in science.
“LCUSD students performed outstandingly on the 2022-2023 CAASPP,” said Superintendent Wendy Sinnette. “They are to be commended for their hard work, effort, and perseverance in demonstrating such high levels of mastery or approaching mastery towards the rigorous California State Standards.”
“We are grateful to our teachers and support staff for ensuring academic excellence in LCUSD’s teaching and learning environments, while also promoting personal health, wellness, and a strong community sense of inclusion and belongingness at each of our schools,” she added. “And, of course, this high level of success would not be possible without our wonderfully involved parents and caregivers. The families in the LCUSD community continue to go the extra mile through volunteerism, participation, and the generous giving of time and talent to ensure that our students are thriving and that our schools rank amongst the top in the state and nation.”
At La Cañada Elementary School, 85.86% of students met or surpassed state standards in English language arts, and 85.94% achieved the same in mathematics. Of the LCE fifth graders who took the CAST science test, 76.75% of students met or exceeded standards. At Palm Crest Elementary School, 91.62% of students met or exceeded standards in English language arts and math scores for PCR showed that 90.75% of students met or exceeded state standards. PCR reported 88.23% of students met or exceeded science standards. Meanwhile, Paradise Canyon students also showcased proficiency with 86.75% of students meeting or exceeding standards in ELA, 80.24% meeting or exceeding standards in mathematics, and 89.88% meeting or exceeding standards in science.
At La Cañada High School, seventh and eighth grade students exhibited outstanding performance. In English language arts and mathematics, 91.47% and 88.14% of seventh grade students, and 84.57% and 83.89% of eighth grade students, met or exceeded state standards. Additionally, 11th grade students achieved top scores in English when compared to similar high-achieving schools, with an impressive 91.90% of students meeting or exceeding standards. In math, overall scores for juniors displayed achievement, with 82.61% meeting or exceeding state standards. LCHS seniors taking the CAST science test resulted in 74.92% meeting or exceeding standards.
Sinnette emphasized the importance of test results as a measure of the district’s progress, while highlighting the district’s performance on the California Dashboard, which provides a comprehensive view of student success by considering a broader range of performance indicators.
“As a district, LCUSD looks at multiple measures to assess the performance of our students,” she said. “Our CAASPP scores are a significant measure, but when embedded in the California Dashboard with a variety of performance indicators, the data becomes even more meaningful.
“Partnering with teachers, staff, and families, our commitment to delivering a top-tier education along with resources designed to support lifelong wellness remains our highest priority,” she added. “I am grateful that these CAASPP scores and the California Dashboard results indicate progress in delivering on that commitment. Great job, LCUSD!”
First published in the October 26 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
