California State Testing

The state of CA just released test scores for the 2021-2022 school year. Across Orange County, California, and the US, student test scores decreased from pre-pandemic levels. As a 9-12 district, students only take the state test in the grade 11. When comparing scores to other districts, it is imperative that we are comparing apples to apples - other 9-12 districts, and as expected, test scores were affected due to the challenges of the pandemic. To put it in context, it is necessary to discuss the following: 1) Understanding the effect the pandemic had on the state testing and student scores. 2) FJUHSD scores compared to the rest of the county and the state. 3) FJUHSD addressing the challenges.

Understanding the effect the pandemic had on the state test scores 

Prior to the 2021-2022 school year, the last time students participated in a typical or normal testing environment was the 2018-2019 school year. California suspended state testing in 2019-2020 and the assessment was modified, shortened and some students took the test at home while others took it at school based on their chosen educational model in 2020-2021. For the 2020-2021 school year, FJUHSD offered both in person or at home instruction during the testing period. The scores that were released are for the 2021-2022 school year and should be compared with the scores from 2018-2019 focusing on our students that have met or exceeded standards pre and post the pandemic.

FJUHSD scores compared to the rest of the county and the state

Students who have met or exceeds standards

FJUHSD students scored higher than the state averages in both Math and English and in the county average for Math. FJUHSD students had higher test scores than some of our surrounding districts. The data also indicates that there is not a correlation to scores based on whether districts were fully in person, hybrid or in remote learning.

FJUHSD addressing the challenges

We clearly have work to do - and we have already started.  Under my leadership we have instituted professional learning for teachers to provide targeted and research based academic interventions.  This learning is led by our own teachers on special assignments.  We have expanded intervention classes on all campuses, expanded access to on campus and online tutoring, developed a summer bridge program for incoming 9th graders and expanded mental health supports.  Together FJUHSD is moving our students forward to close existing achievement gaps and to recoup learning.  We are using data to drive our decisions and to guide our teachers as they partner with students and parents to move our schools forward.