CVUSD Test Scores Dip, but Well Above State Standards

Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) student test scores slipped a bit this year, according to the latest results from the state Department of Education California School Dashboard, designed to let parents compare school district outcomes. 

The scores remained, however, above state averages in most areas. In several categories, CVUSD exceeded state standards where many districts had trouble meeting them, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. 

There was a drop of 4.9 points in English Language Arts, but this was still 31.5 points above the state’s subject-area standards. The average district statewide scored 13.2 points below the standard.

There was a small drop of 0.9 points in Mathematics, but this remained 12.3 points above state standards. This score put them well ahead of most other districts, who averaged 47.6 points below the state standard. 

The graduation rate, already in the state’s highest group of districts, rose a further 0.9 percent to 96 percent. This compares with a statewide rate of 86.7 percent. 

There were also small gains in science, by 0.2 percent and in reducing suspensions, by 0.4 percent. 

Chronic absenteeism fell by 5.2 percent. This dropped it to 11 percent of students missing 10 percent or more of instructional days. It compares to an 18.6 percent statewide rate. 

There was a drop of 9.2 percent in English language learners making progress toward proficiency, with 46.4 percent making progress. This is just above the statewide average of 45.7 percent.

Seniors who met state standards for college or work preparedness dropped by 13.1 percent, to a 47.3 preparation rate. This is also just above the statewide average, which is 45.3 percent.

Castro Valley’s preparedness rate in 2024 was lower than last year’s, but also lower than in pre-pandemic 2019. 

The district met the 2024 standard for implementing the state’s latest academic standards.

CVUSD also met standards for ensuring access to a broad course of study for its students.

The state evaluators did make several suggestions for increasing access for some student groups. 

The state reported that Castro Valley met the standard for teachers, instructional materials, and facilities. The district reported no students lacking access to their own copies of instructional materials both for home and school, and all facilities were reported in good repair. The district said 100 percent of all complaints received were acted on quickly.

The district fully implemented the state standards for parent and family engagement but reported to the state that they wouldn’t be fully satisfied until they fully live up to their motto of “all means all.” They would like to involve any parents not currently involved, they said. 

The state said CVUSD met the standards for a local climate survey given annually, with the results acted on. 

District officials were not able to comment on the results in instructional areas as we went to press but promised to do so in the weeks ahead.

See more at: https://www.caschooldashboard.org/