Standardized testing offered at the school
By Sophia Qin Apr. 7 2022
By challenging students to utilize their critical thinking skills and solve real-world problems, standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) aim to identify gaps in students’ academic progress, hold educators responsible for students’ performance and accurately measure students’ growth and readiness for college. Therefore, the school continued its tradition of allowing students to take these tests on campus.
Desiree De-vu Leon Art
On March 2, juniors were given the opportunity to take the SAT at the school. Testing sites included the cafeteria, mini gym, Media Center, Counseling Resource Center and classrooms. Junior Alexander Guan took the SAT and was impressed with how the school organized and executed logistics on the test day.
“The proctor in my room thoroughly explained the rules and clearly listed the expectations for taking the test. The other students who were taking the test kept quiet, fostering a friendly environment where I could fully immerse myself in the test,” Guan said.
Similar to the SAT, the CAASPP tests will be administered to juniors and seniors in March and April.
In contrast to the SAT, CAASPP testing is solely for analyzing student growth and evaluation of teachers, not for college applications.
Students are tested on various subjects such as science, math and English. On the other hand, parents have the option to opt their child out of CAASPP testing with a written request sent to the school’s administrators.
Although many juniors took the SAT administered at school, some decided not to since many colleges and universities no longer require submission of these test scores.
In the past years, several concerns with the SAT and American College Test (ACT) have surfaced, prompting many colleges to make test scores optional.
For example, due to COVID-19, many students were unable to secure a testing date. Furthermore, students from families with less income are at a disadvantage compared to wealthier students who have more access to educational resources. Many also argue that students are able to showcase their excellence in ways other than standardized testing, such as through extracurriculars, coursework and essays.
“I am interested to see how many people opt out of state testing as the school year progresses, as it has become more frequent among my friends these past few years,” Junior Jeffrey Zheng said.
As more students consider opting out of standardized testing, many envision school curriculum without these tests. However, for the time being, the school continues to offer these exams for students, so they must decide for themselves whether or not they want to continue to take them.
About the Contributors
Sophia Qin
Staff Writer
Sophia Qin is a freshman at Leland High School and a staff writer for The Charger Account. During her free time, she loves dancing, baking, reading, hanging out with friends and family, and drawing.
Desiree Vu-de Leon
Artist
Desiree is a high schooler at Leland High School and contributes to The Charger Account. She has a large variety of hobbies from bird watching to collecting pressed pennies.
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