CMA Public Hearing Announcement

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THREE REGIONAL PUBLIC HEARINGS

California State Board of Education

Proposed Performance Standards (Levels)
California Modified Assessment
for English–Language Arts in Grade Six Through Eight,
Mathematics in Grades Six and Seven, and Science in Grade Eight

To be used in reporting the results of the California Modified Assessment for English–language arts (ELA) in grade six through eight, mathematics in grades six and seven, and science in grade eight; administered in spring 2009 and thereafter.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Videoconference

Santa Clara County Office of Education, Saratoga Room
1290 Ridder Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95131

408-453-6500

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Videoconference

San Diego County Office of Education
Joe Rindone Regional Technology Center
6401 Linda Vista Road
San Diego, CA 92111

619-778-9876

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

10:00 a.m. – as necessary

California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Room 1101
Sacramento, CA 95814

916-319-0827

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To:    County and District Superintendents
          Charter School Administrators
          Other Interested Parties

In 2001, program reports for California’s Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program included, for the first time, student performance levels in English–language arts. Performance standards (i.e., performance levels) relate exclusively to students’ scores on the California Standards Tests (CSTs), which are aligned to California’s rigorous academic content standards. The designations for these performance levels are: advanced, proficient, basic, below basic, and far below basic.

For 2002, and thereafter, the reporting of student achievement based on these performance levels was expanded to include the CSTs in history–social science, mathematics, and, in part, science. In addition, the performance levels in English–language arts were modified for grades four and seven to incorporate students’ scores on the writing assessment conducted at those grade levels. For 2004, and thereafter, performance levels were reported on the grade five science CST. For 2006, and thereafter, the reporting of student achievement based on these performance levels was expanded to include science CSTs for grades eight and ten.

The State Board of Education (SBE) is proposing to adopt performance levels for the CMA for English–language arts in grades six through eight, mathematics in grades six and seven, and science in grade eight, all of which were administered to students in 2009. Information on the proposed cut scores for establishing the performance levels will be made available on the SBE Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/pn/pn/starpublichearings.asp on or before October 2, 2009.

Three regional public hearings will be conducted for the purpose of gathering comments from a cross section of interested parties, including teachers, administrators, school board members and other local elected officials, business leaders, parents, guardians, and students. Comments and suggestions are sought on the proposed cut scores on the respective tests that will determine students’ performance levels.

The regional public hearings at the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the San Diego County Office of Education on October 14, 2009, will be videoconferences. SBE members whose schedules permit them to attend and SBE and Department of Education executive staff will be prepared to accept public comments and input on a continuous basis during the videoconferences. Individuals are not required to prearrange a specific time to present their comments. Oral comments will be accepted as individuals arrive. Some delays may occur if many individuals arrive at the same time; patience will be appreciated if delays do occur.

The third and final regional public hearing will be conducted in Sacramento on November 18, 2009, in conjunction with the SBE’s regular November meeting. It will begin no earlier than 10:00 a.m. but will last only as long as necessary to hear from those who wish to orally testify at that time. The SBE may, at that time, make changes to the proposed performance standards (levels) based on public input and board discussion.

Individuals need not attend a regional public hearing to present their comments. The SBE will be pleased to receive comments by mail, e-mail, or fax. See below for contact information.

Mail:
California State Board of Education
1430 N Street, Room 5111
Sacramento, CA 95814

E-mail:
drury@cde.ca.gov

Fax:
916-319-0175

Please help us publicize these regional public hearings!