LA PUENTE, CA – Bassett Unified School District students showed improvement on their second round of state testing on the new California Standards for English language arts (ELA) and math, according to a new state report.

The two tests are the centerpiece of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), administered to grades three through eight, and grade 11. The exams, created by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, gauge writing, critical thinking and problem solving skills far beyond the scope of California’s previous standardized tests.

“We are happy to see the overall improvement in our students’ performance on the Smarter Balanced tests, and the year-to-year data gives us the opportunity to examine the effectiveness of our instructional practices,” Superintendent Dr. Alex Rojas said. “The CAASPP results will help us personalize resources and lessons to best support our students’ success.”

Bassett Unified students matched and beat most L.A. county district subgroups in ELA and math, specifically for economically disadvantaged, English learners, and Hispanic and Latino groups.

The District is implementing a “Mission Possible” initiative, where teachers look at their students’ performance on the Smarter Balanced tests and identify which students are meeting and exceeding grade level standards, and which students are underperforming. Teachers will closely monitor student performance throughout the year and provide resources to better target student needs.

Bassett Unified teacher specialists will concentrate on reading literacy for students in third grade and below. The District also is looking at ways to collaborate with early childhood development to provide support for students when they enter kindergarten.