This month, high school juniors across the state geared up for one of the most critical academic milestones of the year: state testing, or CAASPP.
Many students dismiss state testing because they feel it does not impact their academic standing. However, this is not the case as it affects the schools ranking, which could impact a college’s deciding factor on approving a student’s application.
Incentives have increased to fuel students’ participation and performance while taking these standardized tests.
Math grade bumps, raffle prizes, and social time were presented to the junior class to help motivate all students to do their best on state testing.
“When our school performs well it helps all aspects of our students’ lives. We are able to provide more programs, draw in more enrollment, and promote the school’s success,” said Cina Abedzadeh, Principal of San Juan Hills High School.
These incentives are being provided to students who are diligently trying and taking their time during testing. Students will be handed blue raffle tickets that they can turn into the ASB office for a chance to win a free Prom ticket or a parking pass for next year.
“Most of the juniors don’t like taking tests, but when there’s a reward, they’ll work harder to get those rewards,” said Peyton Graham (11).
In an effort to inspire students to excel, the school organized a “Hype Assembly” the week before testing for the entire junior class. The event introduced students to “Battle of the Brains,” a spirited competition, mainly against Tesoro High School, to perform their best and help the school earn top academic recognition.
The assembly aimed to boost confidence, foster school pride, and drive students to aim for success during testing season.
Additionally, students who score a 3 or 4 on the math section of the state exam, have an opportunity to raise a previous math grade in Algebra 1 or Geometry up to a letter grade.
Our school goal is to increase in ELA by 1-2% and in Math by 2-3%. This is a program we will have to observe and study over the course of 3-5 years to see if there is a positive trend,” said Abedzadeh.
While the recent incentives energized juniors to excel on state testing, some seniors could not help but to feel disappointed.
“I think everyone should have the same opportunities across the board. Some seniors who failed, couldn’t get their seal of biliteracy for doing poorly on the state testing, with the incentives juniors can do that. Some seniors could have used those grade bumps and those bumps could’ve changed their futures,” said Anabelle Ixtacuy (12).
For many in the senior class, these incentives would have been highly motivating during their own testing last year. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the same opportunity to benefit from these rewards.
Some upperclassmen are left wondering what could have been, if these ideas had been introduced earlier.
“Regardless of the incentives seniors didn’t receive, I know a lot of people including myself, did put the effort in and we didn’t get offered those rewards,” said Ixtacuy.
