Performance

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP)

The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress program (CAASPP) is California’s academic testing program. Each spring, students may participate in the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments for English Language Arts and Mathematics (SBAC), the California Alternate Assessments (CAA), California Spanish Assessments (CSA), and the California Science Tests (CAST).

• SBAC: administered in grades 3-8 and 11
• CAST: administered in grades 5, 8, and 12

These assessments help school districts, the state, and the public monitor student progress under the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Performance on these assessments is just one source of information about your student’s progress in school.

Parents/guardians have the right to exempt their child from taking the CAASPP assessments. To request that your student be exempted from one or more CAASPP assessments, please submit a written request to your student’s school specifying the assessments from which you want your student to be exempt. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s participation, please contact your principal.

English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC)

The English Language Proficiency Assessment for California (ELPAC) is the state’s test to determine English language proficiency. An initial assessment is administered to all newly enrolled students in California public schools whose primary language on the home language survey is not English.

The initial ELPAC assesses proficiency in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing and identifies English Learners who need development in those skills. Previously identified English Learners will take the summative ELPAC assessment until they meet the reclassification criteria and are Reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP). The scores help determine the student’s placement in a language acquisition program and are also used to support teachers in providing English Language Development instruction. An annual notification letter will be mailed, which informs families of their child’s progress towards reclassification. 

School Accountability Report Cards (SARC)

The School Accountability Report Card (SARC) provides data about a school’s student achievement, environment, resources, and demographics. SARCs are updated annually and are a tool so schools can report on their progress on achieving their goals. SARCs can be accessed online using the instructions below. To request a printed copy, please visit your school office. For questions, contact the principal.

Accessing your school’s SARC:

1. Go to sarconline.org.
2. Enter the school or city name in the search box.
3. Click on the school name and then “View Full SARC” on the left menu to review the school’s information.
4. To translate, select your preferred language in the drop-down menu entitled “Select Language”.

Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)

Each school in San José Unified annually develops a Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). This plan describes the school’s instructional program, the goals to improve student outcomes, and the allocation of resources to support improvements in student achievement. The Schoolsite Council is responsible for developing the SPSA and presenting it to the Board of Education for approval.

For more information about your school’s SPSA, visit the school website.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

The Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of School and Colleges (ACS WASC) is one of six regional agencies that evaluates and determines whether a school has met the educational standards to earn accreditation. The accreditation offers certification of a school’s programs and assurance of a student’s credits earned.

Accreditation is an ongoing six-year cycle where schools demonstrate the capacity, commitment, and competence to support high-quality student learning and ongoing school improvement. Throughout the accreditation cycle, schools are expected to address the school-wide action plan and demonstrate evidence of acceptable student achievement and school improvement. Visit ACS WASC directory to check the accreditation status or contact your school office for more information.

Public Data Sources

We encourage parents/guardians to review several data sources that provide access to publicly available data for California public schools.