A Note About Testing with MVCS

Mattole Valley Charter School, as a public school, is guided by the same regulations as all California schools, and therefore, students in 2nd through 11th grades participate in STAR testing. The STAR tests measure progress toward proficiency in the state content standards. Mattole also uses an achievement level assessment called the NWEA test which is given at least twice a year in grades 2-10th. High school students are required to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) in order to earn a diploma. You can find more information about the CAHSEE in the High School Handbook.

In addition to the above tests, high school students are encouraged to participate in the PSAT test, which is given once a year in October. All high school students may take the PSAT as a practice for the SAT, and also to gain access to many student assistance programs, such as career guidance, and analysis and feedback on academic strengths and weaknesses. When high school juniors take the PSAT they are automatically put into consideration for the National Merit Board Scholarship competition, which if students qualify, matches them up with many scholarship opportunities across the country.

College bound students (or even those who are not sure about college) should take the SAT (Scholastic Achievement Tests) or ACT college entrance test. A schedule for the SAT is included in the appendix in the High School Handbook. SAT preparation materials can be found in several of the Resource Centers of Mattole Valley Charter School. Please talk to the guidance counselor for information about college entrance tests.

In order to participate in concurrent enrollment in community colleges, high school students must take placement tests for math and English. It is important to do as well on those, otherwise students may have to take remedial courses.

Be Aware – Many students complain about testing and stress out, or worse yet, purposely do poorly on a test. Students should know that tests are part of our lives – from a drivers test to testing for a job promotion. Students should take testing seriously and do their best; there are both real and intrinsic rewards for doing well. MVCS students who don’t do well on STAR testing and fall in the Far Below Basic categories in English/language arts or Math, will have an Academic Improvement Plan implemented which may include remedial work, tutoring, or other interventions. The AIP plan can be very helpful, but should only be implemented for students who really need the extra help or intervention.