One year after dramatic improvements, CAASPP testing set to begin again

By BRYAN JIMENEZ  
The Tower 

April brings the start of CAASPP testing, which is a state-mandated test to measure the academic progress of the junior class.  

At Manteca High School, the test is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, April 8-10. This mandated test consists of the subjects: English, Math, and Science. On Tuesday, the English subject will begin testing, followed by math on Wednesday, and concluding with science on Thursday.  

The CAASPP testing provides a comprehensive assessment of a student's knowledge across English, Math, and Science, which will offer an insight into their understanding and proficiency in each area. CAASPP testing is important for both the school and the student, as it becomes a permanent fixture on the student's transcript, serving as a record of their academic performance.  

Important tips from Martha Dent, a retired assistant principal of Lathrop High, have given insight on the testing. 

“I think the most important tip for juniors is to take the test serious,” Dent said, “but to try really hard to not stress because these tests are testing your whole lifetime of what you’ve learned.”  

The juniors from last year managed to double their scores by 50 percent compared to the previous year, resulting in Manteca High School being selected as a California Distinguished School. This prestigious recognition recognizes schools that are closing the achievement gap and are demonstrating exceptional student performance. Only three percent of the middle and high schools were selected for this achievement.  

Manteca High is the first high school in the Manteca Unified School District to receive the award. 

“Last year’s testing was amazing at Manteca High School, and this year’s seniors made that happen and we are so proud of the progress, at least on test scores for Manteca High, and were hoping this year’s juniors will achieve the same thing,” Dent said.  

Manteca High has also implemented a new approach for its CAASPP testing by conducting it in individual classrooms. This change ensures that students are in smaller groups, spread out throughout campus. The schedule has also been adjusted. Juniors will start their classes as usual at 8 a.m. and continue until testing is completed. All other grades will commence their classes at noon, allowing for 40-minute class periods. 

Schoolwide juniors are overwhelmed with the schedule and all the testing that will take place in the span of the week. Daniela Cruz, a current AP student at Manteca High School, shared her perspective on the schedule for CAASP testing. 

“I would like to change the schedule for juniors to be able to leave school after taking the CAASPP test,” she said. “Following a three-hour testing session, students would then resume their regular classes.”  

Teachers at Manteca High are stressed over proctoring the exam. Students will be placed with a familiar teacher to create a welcoming and comfortable environment. English teacher Jennifer Benson sympathizes with juniors. 

“I wish there was a way to excuse juniors from their classes for the week, as a way to incentivize and motivate them to try on their testing, but this is unrealistic and will put them further behind in their instructional information,” Benson said. “Perhaps trying a traditional block during the testing week, so it’s only two classes to attend each day?”