Academics

State Testing

Every year, California students take several statewide tests. When combined with other measures such as grades, class work, and teacher observations, these tests give families and teachers a more complete picture of their child’s learning. You can use the results to identify where your child is doing well and where they might need more support. NP3 schools will give the mandated state testing to all students required to take the exams in their specific grade level in spring semester. All students need to be at school during this time frame. The Smarter Balanced tests will be taken on computers; practice tests are available for everyone to use at the Smarter Balance Website.

Your child may be taking one or more of the following California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP), English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), and Physical Fitness Test assessments. Pursuant to California Education Code Section 60615, parents/guardians may annually submit to the school counselor a written request to excuse their child from any or all of the CAASPP assessments. This exemption does not exist for the ELPAC or Physical Fitness Test. NP3 encourages you to explore the practice tests with your student and discuss them with each other.

CAASPP

Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Math

Who takes these tests? Students in grades 3–8 and grade 11.
What is the test format? The Smarter Balanced assessments are computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Common Core State Standards.

California Science Test (CAST)

Who takes the test? Students take the CAST in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, either in grade 11, or 12.
What is the test format? The CAST is computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Next Generation Science Standards(CA NGSS).

ELPAC

Who takes the test? Students who have a home language survey that lists a language other than English will take the Initial test, which identifies students as an English learner student or as initially fluent in English. Students who are classified as English learner students will take the Summative ELPAC every year until they are reclassified as proficient in English.
What is the test format? Both the Initial and Summative ELPAC are computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The 2012 California English Language Development Standards.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

Who takes the test? Students in grades 5, 7, and 9 will take the FITNESSGRAM®, which is the test used in California.
What is the test format? The test consists of five performance components: aerobic capacity, abdominal strength, trunk strength, upper body strength, and flexibility.
Which standards are tested? The Healthy Fitness Zones, which are established through the Fitnessgram®.

Hearing and Vision Screening

Vision screening is conducted in our schools as required by California State law SB 1266 and AB 1840. All TK/ Kindergarten, 2nd , 5th , and 8th grade students will be tested. Please ensure that your child wears his/her prescription glasses or contact lenses on the day of the screening.

Here is some information about the testing:

Vision screening is done by a doctor of optometry.
No eye drops or medication of any kind will be used. (Pupils will not be dilated)
The entire procedure will take less than 5 minutes
These tests are non-diagnostic and provide only rough measurements of performance.
They are in no way meant to supplant or replace a complete, comprehensive eye exam by your child’s eye doctor, or other vision professional.
The program is under the direct supervision of one of the district nurse/health assistants, who will be present to assist with the screening procedure.
The results will be treated in a strictly confidential manner
You will be notified by letter if any problem is found. If no problem is found we will not contact you.

Hearing screening is conducted in our schools as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Section 2952 (c)(1). All K or 1st and 2nd, 5th, 8th, 10th or 11th grade students and new students will be tested. Hearing screening in California public schools must be conducted by a credentialed audiometrist. If you would like to opt your student out of the above health screening please let the school know by September 15.

California Healthy Youth Act

The California Healthy Youth Act, which took effect in January 2016, requires school districts to provide students with integrated, comprehensive, accurate, and unbiased comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education at least once in middle school and once in high school. The law is intended to ensure that students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to 1) protect their sexual and reproductive health from HIV, other sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancy; 2) develop healthy attitudes concerning adolescent growth and development, body image, gender, sexual orientation, relationships, marriage, and family; and 3) have healthy, positive, and safe relationships and behaviors. It promotes understanding of sexuality as a normal part of human development.

To access additional information regarding the law, please go to the following website. As a parent, if you would like to opt your child out of comprehensive sexual health instruction, you must provide a written request. Please send written requests for middle school students to your child’s counselor. Please send written requests for high school students to Ms. Wabinga (cwabinga@natomasunified.org). Your child will remain for the other portions.

California Healthy Kids Survey

9th and 11th grade students will complete the CA Healthy Kids Survey. The survey includes questions about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug issues, as well as questions about school safety and the learning environment. Student participation in the survey is voluntary and anonymous. If you have any questions please contact your child's counselor. As a parent, if you would like to opt your child out of the CA Healthy Kids Survey, you must provide a written request. Please send written requests to your child’s counselor.