MBUSD students ace state tests
Local students far exceeded their peers statewide in test results released by the California Department of Education last week.
The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) was administered in the spring to more than 3 million students in grades 3 to 8 and 11. The tests have replaced the former pencil-and-dot standardized tests with a computer-adaptive assessment that bases follow-up questions on students’ answers in real time. The new tests focus on English and mathematics and adhere to state standards.
Nearly 84 percent of Manhattan Beach Unified School District students met or exceeded standards in English Language Arts/Literacy, compared to a statewide average of 49.9 percent; in mathematics, 76.8 of MBUSD students met or exceeded standards, compared to a state average of 38.6 percent.
“We are pleased that our student test scores continue to reflect our high expectations for students, our emphasis on high-quality teaching, and our focus on personalized learning,” said Superintendent Michael Matthews.
“I’m most excited that our students continue to do well after making a paradigm shift in the way we approach teaching and learning,” said Katherine Whittaker Stopp, the assistant superintendent for educational services. “Instruction is more student-centered than ever before, we’re using data to inform our practice, with higher levels collaboration and I’m just so proud of all of us.”
Last year, MBUSD students scored 84 percent at or above standards in English and 74.78 percent in math.
“We are particularly proud of the fact that our math scores over the last few years have been rising more rapidly than our ELA scores, as math has been a high priority for our district over the last few years,” Matthews said. “Our teachers collaborate so well and our instruction is more student-centered than ever before. I am so proud of our teachers, our staff, our parents, our students, and our community. It takes a village, and we have a wonderfully supportive village.”