Revised 5/2006

Testing Requirements

Mandated Testing: This Charter School must administer any state mandated test whenever one is provided. The Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program requires that all public school districts in California administer a single standardized test, designated by the State Board of Education (SBE), to all students in grades 2 through 11. The STAR test consists of three components: The Standford 9 Achievement test, California Content Standards Tests, and California Writing Standards Tests (for grades 4 and 7 only). The parent may choose whether or not to include the scores in the students cume file. If the parent chooses to have the STAR test results in the CUME, they may always change their minds later. Additionally, other tests are available. (Note: See California Pupil/Parent Protection Right.)

It is mandatory that students either test or have a parent request on file stating that their child(ren) be waived from testing. The waiver must be parent initiated. It is unlawful for any staff member to encourage a parent to waive their student from testing. You may only explain the policy. If a parent is requesting that their child be waived from testing, then they need to write a letter to the Principal of the charter with a request for waiver. No explanation needs to be given in the letter. The letter must be sent to our office, IEM 1166 Broadway Ste. Q, Placerville, CA 95667 Attn: Assessment Department/Waiver. (CWCS only: Parents sign an Assessment Confirmation Form when they enroll and annually thereafter stating that they will participate in all required assessments. They understand, when signing the form, that they will participate in the Mandatory School Assessment which can be waived if the student participates in the Mandated STAR. Participation in the STAR can be waived, but the School Assessment must still be taken.)

Beginning in the year 2004, any student graduating and wanting a diploma in 2004 must have passed all sections of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). There is currently no waiver for this exam in order to get a diploma. Also, the governor signed AB1609, that NO LONGER allows 9th graders to take the High School Exit Exam.

The CAHSEE consists of English/Language Arts sections 1 and 2 and a Mathematics tests. The state may require that students taking the High School Exit Exam present a photo I.D. on the first day of testing. You may present a California I.D. issued by the DMV office, or a valid driver’s license. You can also get an I.D. by going to the passport window at the local post office. The school does not reimburse the I.D. costs.

Proctoring Requirements for ESs: As part of the ES job responsibility, each ES must participate in the proctoring and/or other duties associated with the charter school's state mandated assessment tests. Each charter school has individual testing requirements that can affect the length of the local testing cycles. Each ES must participate equitably with the testing duties under the direction of the local testing coordinator to which they are assigned until testing is completed.

STAR and CAHSEE District and Site Coordinator positions will be paid a stipend.

Available Assessment Tools:

Scantron Ed Performance is a required online pre/post test.

The WRAT test kit is available for use by ESs. The WRAT test is quick to administer, but requires that the ES give and interpret the test, not the parent. For CWCS, the WRAT is required for K and 1st grade students.

If a parent wishes to use a testing mode which looks like a standardized test, there are vendors who carry tests which could be purchased for use by the student. The funding for these would come from the student's instructional funds. Check the following vendors for assessment tools: Curriculum Associates, Phoenix Learning Resources or Steck Vaughn.