The Office of Curriculum and Assessment oversees instructional materials adoption, district literacy and math assessments, Standardized Testing and the articulation of both mandatory and local assessments. Districtwide Professional Development in the elementary and secondary districts is also coordinated through this office. Other programs and services within the Office of Curriculum and Assessment include curriculum committees, monitoring and reporting No Child Left Behind compliance, review and approval of instructional materials, analysis of new course proposals for Board approval, instructional reform taskforces and articulation with higher education. The major focus of Curriculum and Assessment is collaboration with administrators and teachers to promote and enhance academic achievement for all students.

Curriculum study groups and task forces include: Elementary Literacy Leadership Committee, Secondary Portfolio Team, Visual & Performing Arts 5-Year Planning Taskforce, K-8 Math Reform Network, and the Two-Way Immersion Taskforce.

State Standards-Based Assessment is a responsibility of this department. State/Federal required testing includes California Standards Testing (CST) in grades 2-11, California Modified Assessment (CMA) in grades 3-5, Standards Test in Spanish (STS) in grades 2-7, California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) in grades 2-11, California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) in grades 10-12, Physical Fitness Testing (PFT) for grades 5, 7, and 9, APRENDA (Primary Test of Language Development for English Learners), and GATE Naglieri Testing for Grade 3 (Nonverbal evaluation of gifted talent and abilities.)

The Office of Curriculum and Assessment works with the Office of Academic Equity and Categorical Programs in the administration of the California English Language Development Test (CELDT) administered annually to all English Learners.  SCCS also ensures testing for those students who reside in the district and attend classes in County Office of Education programs or Non-Public Schools. Analysis of multiple measures of assessment ensures that the data is reliable and reflective of varied learning styles and unique student needs. Review of student performance data provides assurance that our schools utilize research-based strategies in model programs designed to meet the needs of all students.

In addition to passing the required courses for credit, high school students are required to pass two assessments in order to graduate from Santa Cruz City Schools:

1. The California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE); a state-mandated test in English and Mathematics, which students have multiple opportunities to pass.

1. The SCCS High School English Language Arts Portfolio; a Board approved local assessment that requires high school students to demonstrate proficiency in multiple reading and writing genres.

Contacts:

More Information/Assessment

• California Department of Education Website
• Matrix of Testing Accommodations and Modifications
• Information for parents and/or guardians about STAR Testing
• Released STAR Test Questions to help a student prepare for testing
• Information for Spanish speakers explaining how English Learners participate in STAR Testing
• Notifying Parents and Guardians for 2007-08 re: California High School Exit Exam
• California High School Exit Exam Math Study Guide
• California High School Exit Exam English Language Study Guide
• Information regarding how to interpret your student's California High School Exit Examination test results
• Assembly Bill AB 347: Instruction and Services for students who have not passed the Exit Exam but have met all other graduation requirements
• Education Data Partnership: Pull-down menus on each level provide a wealth of financial, demographic, and performance data for California's public K-12 school system.
• Accountability Progress Reporting – California's integrated accountability system that reports the State Academic Performance Index (API), the Federal Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and Program Improvement (PI).
• Data Quest helps you find facts and information about California's schools – includes very helpful information including a Parent's Page, a California School Directory, and easy to navigate “Help on Using Data Quest”.

More Information/Curriculum

• List of California Content Standards
• Searchable price list for California adopted K-8 Instructional Materials
• California resource for information regarding Williams sufficiency
• California Department of Education list of recommended literature for K-12 students

Files to Download

• California Department of Education schedule for statewide K-8 instructional materials adoptions (Word document)