OCDE Newsroom

U.S. Department of Education’s ‘Testing Action Plan’ calls for caps on testing

Staff reports October 29, 2015

In an attempt to limit the amount of student testing, the U.S. Department of Education has released a “Testing Action Plan” that calls for a limit to the amount of time students spend on standardized tests — specifically, no more than 2 percent of classroom time in a school year. [...]

10 things to know about the suspension of California’s High School Exit Exam

Staff reports October 15, 2015

Last week, we reported on the passage of legislation that effectively suspended the California High School Exit Exam — and the requirement that students pass it as a condition of graduation — through the 2017-18 school years. Although the law won’t take effect until Jan. 1, we’re here to provide answers to some frequently asked questions. [...]

Irvine Unified reports highest math scores among state’s larger districts

Ian Hanigan September 22, 2015

Earlier this month, we shared the news that Orange County students posted higher average scores than the rest of California on new English and math assessments. Well, it looks like one O.C. district has posted the highest math scores of all large districts in the state -- and the second highest English scores. [...]

Orange County students outpace the rest of California on new standards-aligned assessments

Staff reports September 9, 2015

Orange County students have outperformed their state and regional counterparts on new computer-based assessments aligned with California’s English and math instructional standards, according to results released Wednesday by the California Department of Education. Click through for a summary of Orange County's CAASPP test results.

California High School Exit Exam no longer a barrier for Class of 2015 graduates

Staff reports August 27, 2015

Thousands of students that had been unable to graduate due to the cancellation of the July California High School Exit exam are now exempt from that requirement. Yesterday, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 725. [...]

Student standardized test scores to be released to schools in September

Ian Hanigan August 13, 2015

This year, Orange County students in grades three through eight and 11 took the new computer-based Smarter Balanced assessments, which were designed to measure student knowledge of California’s English language arts and mathematics standards. While officials from the California Department of Education originally indicated that schools could expect their assessment results during the summer break, we’re told September is now the target. Click through for details.

Official SAT test practice materials now available for free to all students

Staff reports June 3, 2015

In a major move to make the SAT college-entrance exam more equitable, the College Board has teamed up with Khan Academy, an online education nonprofit, to create high-quality test-prep materials – for free. The College Board has given Khan Academy exclusive access to create the online practice program. [...]

Education advisor Fullan calls for collaboration and capacity-building at OCDE conference

Ian Hanigan May 22, 2015

Education reform expert Michael Fullan was the keynote speaker at OCDE’s “Equipping an Emerging Generation” conference, which drew more than 400 educators and business leaders to the Hyatt Regency Orange County. Hosted by County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares, the event also featured Trevor Packer, senior vice president for the College Board. [...]

An image of Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares

Mijares: New online assessments will produce detailed feedback to refine instruction

Al Mijares April 15, 2015

The state's new English and math assessments "challenge students to think critically, draw conclusions and cite evidence. As a result, we expect to have more detailed information than we’ve ever had before to indicate which skills and content areas have been mastered," writes Dr. Al Mijares, Orange County Superintendent of Schools. Click through to read the superintendent's latest column.

A flier for the Equipping an Emerging Generation conference

OCDE conference to feature education experts Michael Fullan and Trevor Packer

Ian Hanigan April 1, 2015

Closing the rigor gap, increasing graduation rates, reducing college remediation and fortifying the American workforce will be the focus of a special conference for Orange County educators next month. Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares, “Equipping an Emerging Generation” will feature presentations by renowned academic experts Michael Fullan and Trevor Packer. The conference will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the Hyatt Regency Orange County. [...]

Assessments and testing