Arcadia Unified Test Scores Among Highest in Southern California

Arcadia Unified students continue to score among the highest in Southern California, and far exceeded the state average, according to new statewide test results released by the California Department of Education on August 24, 2016. Arcadia scored 40% higher than the state average for math, and 26% higher in English language arts/literacy (ELA). 

The results for the rigorous California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) showed that the statewide average for students meeting or exceeding the math standard was 37%. Arcadia Unified students met or exceeded the math standard at a rate of 77%. The statewide average for ELA was higher at 49%, and once again Arcadia Unified students far surpassed the average at 77%. Arcadia Unified students also showed improvement in math scoring 2% higher than last year’s baseline test, while remaining steady at 77% in ELA.   

“We are very pleased with the scores, and greatly appreciate the impressive work by our students, teachers, and we can’t forget our parents, as we have all taken on the new California Standards curriculum and these new standardized tests the past few years,” said Arcadia Unified School District Superintendent Dr. David Vannasdall. “These results are just one of many indicators that we will use to help ensure our students are receiving the highest quality and most well-rounded education possible.”

Percentage of students who met or exceeded state standards 2016:  

California Average:      English 49%     Math 37%

Arcadia Unified:           English 77%      Math 77% (2% increase from 2015)

The CAASPP, first introduced in 2014-2015, includes a number of different assessments, but the most widely administered are the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments in math and English. These measure depth of understanding, writing, research and problem-solving skills. The online tests, based on California’s challenging academic standards, ask students to write clearly, think critically, and solve complex problems, just as they will need to do in college and on the job. Students in grades 3-8 and 11 were tested. 

Last year’s scores of the new test were used as a baseline, with this year providing the first comparable data set. However, the California Department of Education has stressed that multiple years of data will be needed to get a more accurate assessment of gains and improvement.

Arcadia Unified School District parents should be receiving their individual student assessment scores in the mail soon if they haven’t already received them. For a more comprehensive analysis of the assessment scores, you can visit the California Department of Education website.