Many of you may know that California has changed the testing schedule for high school and limited the number of state tests for students. Currently, the state only offers an 11th grade state test and the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) which is offered in 10th grade. However, the State Superintendent of Education is proposing a suspension of the CAHSEE starting in 2016 and if the legislature approves, we will not administer that test during your student's high school experience.
Given these changes and the changes in testing across the country in general, BHS has a wonderful opportunity to define our values for testing practices here at the high school without worrying about state mandates. As a result, BHS will offer the following tests this year in alignment with our desire to help students truly prepare for the future:
1) PSAT. The SAT is changing their exam in 2016 and BHS wishes to prepare the students early so they will be very prepared for the new format. This practice will will be used to help students and staff have a clear picture of where students are right now so they can see their steady growth over the next few years. The Kahn Academy has partnered with the College Board to create a practice test for this new SAT approach which BHS students will use this year. This format will allow you as parents a window into where they are right now and provide resources to help them improve over time. During the administration of this test at school, students will have breaks and extended time to complete sections as needed.
2) A Math assessment aligned to the 11th grade state test. This test will be used to help provide feedback to students about any needs they have to prepare better for the next level of math over the summer if they wish and will reinforce skills needed for Integrated Math II.
3) College Ready Writing. Students will have the opportunity to write a reflection on where they have grown this year in the BHS Schoolwide Learning Outcomes of Written Communication, Oral Communication, Collaboration, and Content Knowledge and Thinking . The format we will use is similar in nature to writing assessments for college as well as the current California High School Exit Exam should that survive the proposed bill.
This means that students will be taking these tests in class on Monday, June 8th as well as Wednesday June 10th. If students are absent during this period, we will provide the materials for them to take the practice exams on their own time this summer so they can have the same feedback. None of these assessments are used for a grade as the primary purpose is one of feedback and growth measures.
Our primary work here at BHS is to prepare students for all possible future options and we believe that this schedule is a good way to do that.
If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by the office or call us at (760) 631-5209 ex 1331.
The June Principal's Newsletter will include a link to several free online courses and resources about community college courses if you are hoping to provide an academic direction to your summer this year.
