On April 25 and 26, many senior students had their heads down on a table sleeping, while others had their faces glued to the bright Chromebook screens, taking the Science California Science Test (CAST). According to assistant principal Dr. Brian Landisi, this year’s seniors took the CAST to show off how much science they have learned over the years. Students took the test during their government or economics class. Juniors did not take the test since they took the English and Math CAASPP test this year.

The CAST is an electronic pilot test based on California Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and for the 2017-2018 school year, 5th, 8th and 12th graders are eligible to take it. All test takers were given a formula sheet and the periodic table of elements.

“I think the test administration went well,” Dr. Landisi said. “Students followed directions and took it seriously.”

History teacher Nicholas Doom was one of the test administrators. “The test was very easy to administer compared to other standardized tests because it was all online,” Doom said. “I don’t think I would have done well on the CAST if I took it. When I was in school we didn’t have standardized testing. Seniors are too preoccupied with prom, senior project, AP tests and finals. The burden and stress the CAST causes at this time of the year for seniors is unwarranted. I blame college admissions for ranking schools based on test scores and creating this mess.”

Student opinions about the CAST were mostly positive. “The CAST wasn’t bad,” said senior Ferdaws Rashid. “I actually think it is a good measure of how much you know about science. It ended up taking me a long time because I thought there were only 18 questions, so I slowed down but it kept adding more questions. I feel less confident about my science abilities after taking this test because there were a lot of topics that I thought I knew but couldn’t recall. I had 55 questions and finished before third period.”

The number and type of questions each student received seemed to vary. “The test was fun, it was like a trivia game,” said senior Marcello Vazquez. “I ended up working on the test until the end of fifth period because I had 65 questions and I like to take my time on these type of tests. I don’t see the point of taking the CAST if it won’t matter too much, but I don’t mind it.”

The test is important to Clark administrators as it will provide data about Clark’s performance in the context of other public schools. “The test is a final reminder that whatever students put their names on, they need to take seriously, despite what grade level they’re in and who sees it,” Dr. Landisi said. “I am confident we will do well based off students’ performance last year and Clark’s emphasis on science.”