ASSESSMENTS
ASSESSMENTS:​​
As a program of a California public school, Sutter Peak must adhere to the same state testing requirements as all other public schools. Students enrolled with Sutter Peak agree to take state and local assessments 3 times per year, including the assessments listed below.
It is important to Sutter Peak that our students are participating in the required assessments (i.e. DIBLES (grades K-2), NWEA/MAP (grades 3-11), and state testing (grades 3-8 & 11), so that we can set our students and school up for long term success.
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Why should my child participate in assessments?
Sutter Peak is excited to showcase the incredible learning that is fostered in our personalized learning model of independent study with Pacific Charter Institute, Nuestro Elementary School district, local communities and the State Department of education. The state of California requires all public schools that receive state and federal funding to have methods of evaluation in place to show student progress in grade level expectations and standards. Our authorizing districts require board updates noting the same student progress. Our goal to have substantive student data reflected by full student participation in assessments for each board update, our annual SARC (School Accountability Report Card for the State of California) and LCAP. The LCAP is an important component of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). Under the LCFF all school districts/charters are required to prepare an LCAP, which describes how they intend to meet annual goals for all pupils, with specific activities to address state and local priorities identified pursuant to EC Section 52060(d). The LCAP is a three-year plan, which is reviewed and updated as required.
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Sutter Peak teachers, staff and enrolled families share this vision as it aligns with the expectations we must meet as a California public school. Please remember participation in assessments is an important life skill for your children and results can be very helpful in early intervention as well as guiding parent choice in curriculum and instruction.
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LOCAL ASSESSMENTS:
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MAP NWEA – Grades 3-11
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MAP (Measure of Academic Performance) NWEA adaptive diagnostic assessments are national norm referenced online adaptive diagnostic tests for students that adjust questions to suit individual student performance. This assessment focuses on understanding where your child should begin learning by creating a comprehensive profile of their individual strengths and needs.
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This required assessment will be administered for students grades 3-11, once a semester, each academic year: First, in Aug/Sept to provide the teacher and parents pertinent knowledge to assist with academic support and guidance, and again in Dec/Jan to determine growth and goals for the remainder of the year.
For more information check out Family Toolkit - NWEA
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DIBELS – K-2 Oral Literacy Assessment
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DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills. DIBELS ​ is a universal screening and progress monitoring assessment that measures the acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through sixth grade. The assessment is a battery of short (one minute) fluency measures that function as indicators of the essential skills that every child must master to become a proficient reader.
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Kindergarten through 2nd-grade students will be given an oral DIBELS assessment once a semester, each academic year: First, in Aug/Sept to provide the teacher and parents pertinent knowledge to assist with academic support and guidance, and again in Jan/Feb to determine growth and goals for the remainder of the year.
For more information check out the Parent's Guide to DIBELS Assessment.
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STATE ASSESSMENTS
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As a program of a California public school, Sutter Peak must adhere to the same state testing requirements as all other public schools.
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The frequency of required state testing varies by grade-level:
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ELPAC – English Language Proficiency Assessments for California
The English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) is given as an initial assessment to newly enrolled students whose primary language is not English, and as an annual assessment to English learners enrolled in transitional kindergarten through grade twelve in California public schools (elpac.org). The ELPAC identifies students who are limited English proficient, determines the level of English language proficiency of students who are limited English proficient, and assesses the progress of limited English proficient students in acquiring the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English (elpac.org).
Grades K-12
English Language Learners Only
Dates vary in September/October for initial testing, summative testing occurs in Feb/March
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CAST – Science Assessment, Computer Based
The California Science Test (CAST) is an online assessment based on the California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). To learn about the types of questions on the computer-based test, you and your child can view the practice test online HERE
Grades 5, 8 and one year in high school based on the last year of science taken
Dates Vary in April/May
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CAASPP - California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
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The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), includes computer-adaptive tests in English/Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. To learn about the types of questions on the computer-based test, you and your child can view the practice test online HERE
Grades 3- 8 and 11
Dates Vary in April/May
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PFT - Physical Fitness Test
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​The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) is state-mandated for 5th, 7th, and 9th grade students, unless there is a physical disability or other medical reason that prevents participation. It consists of the following elements: aerobic capacity (PACER - Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run or One Mile Run), body mass index (height and weight), flexibility (shoulder stretch and trunk lift), abdominal strength (curl-ups), and upper body strength (push-ups)
Grades 5, 7 and 9
Dates Vary in April/May
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