MONROVIA – Monrovia Unified School District students continue to improve their performance in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), according to state data released Oct. 2.

The 2018 state test scores show that 56.9 percent of students districtwide met or exceeded state standards in ELA, up from nearly 3 percent from 2016, and 41.25 percent met or exceeded state standards in math, up 3 points from 2016.

“I am very excited over the gains made in our CAASPP scores, especially among our economically disadvantaged and English learner students,” Monrovia Unified Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “The district remains committed to our goal of providing world-class schools for the Monrovia community, to ensure that every student is college-bound and on a path to a rewarding career in the 21st century.”

Monrovia Unified students who are economically disadvantaged have made strong gains since 2016, with 46 percent meeting or exceeding state standards in ELA, up 4 points since 2016. In math, 31.24 percent met or exceeded standards in 2018, up 6 points since 2016.

English learners scored significant gains in ELA, with 18.15 percent meeting or exceeded state standards in 2018, up 6 points since 2016, and up 3 points in math since 2016.

Reclassified fluent English proficient (RFEP) students remained steady, with math scores up 1 percent from 2016 and ELA scores staying the same.

Developed by the multi-state Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, the computer-adaptive tests are the centerpiece of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).

The tests are administered to students in grades three through eight and grade 11; they are aligned with California Standards adopted in 2010 and required in school instruction as of 2014-15. The standards challenge students to apply the knowledge and skills they are learning in the classroom, including writing, critical thinking and problem-solving.

“Monrovia’s CAASPP scores are very encouraging and reflect the great work being done by our teachers and staff, as well as the enthusiasm in our classrooms,” Monrovia Unified Board President Terrence G. Williams said. “We are fulfilling the promise of our English learner master plan, and with our dual language immersion program, providing students with the tools they will need to be successful in college and career.”