CAPE scores & consequences?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have info on what CAPE scores are used for?

My son and his friends have heard from their math teacher that CAPE scores are part of the DCPS lottery selection process for applications for selective DCPS schools.

Also, his class was specifically told that if they didn't score a 4 or a 5 on the test, that they would have to retake the class next year. Is this true? He's gotten all A's this term, but said CAPE was really hard and is now worried.

Please separate truth from fiction if possible.

[Anonymous]

Fear mongering! The sure old-fashioned way for pedagogy that might get ok short-term results but creates lasting self-doubt and anxious kids. This is a very damaging approach and not totally true.
The CAPE scores in 7th grade were not used for selective high schools this year.

[Anonymous]

Thank you! And what about having to retake a class based on the CAPE score?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you! And what about having to retake a class based on the CAPE score?

Are you new to DCPS?

[Anonymous]

My kid reported that the teacher said she would have to repeat the grade if she failed the CAPE. 3rd grader. Bizarre!

[Anonymous]

I believe the selective high schools see GPA but not CAPE.

[Anonymous]

DCPS selective high schools do not ask about CAPE scores. You can confirm the application requirements here: https://www.myschooldc.org/how-apply/applying-high-school

The retake thing I can only imagine maybe, just maybe being a BASIS policy, but that doesn't even make sense because scores aren't available until after the next school year begins.

[Anonymous]

School without Walls high school used to weed kids out based on CAPE (then PARCC) scores. I suppose it's possible--but imho very unlikely--this will ever be brought back.

CAPE does not affect school math placement ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you! And what about having to retake a class based on the CAPE score?

Is this at a DCPS school or charter? For DCPS, there is usually remedial math or ELA in the summer for underperforming students. For charter, consult with your school for their guidelines to repeat classes.

I would be worried about the said teacher spreading misinformation as a teaching method, with no regards about how their approach is impact the students mental wellbeing.

[Anonymous]

And to follow-up: Keep in mind that if you are in 7th grade and planning for selective HS next year, your child needs those solid great recommendation letters from their math and ELA teachers….

[Anonymous]

At Deal, this was part of the info on CAPE testing:

"Students who are in accelerated math classes who do not score a Level 4 or 5 on the 2025 DC CAPE may be assigned to a math support class next year."

I don't read that as retaking the class, but I'm not sure.

[Anonymous]

I’m shocked by how long these tests are. I loooooooved standardized tests as a kid (weird, yes), but I struggle to picture my adhd 4th grader getting through these hours of testing without zoning out.

[Anonymous]

None of what the teacher said is true but your child’s score directly affects that teacher’s employment. Which is tough for teachers- the test means nothing to students but a lot to their teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid reported that the teacher said she would have to repeat the grade if she failed the CAPE. 3rd grader. Bizarre!

Schools won’t even get the scores back until October.

[Anonymous]

Let’s just use common sense here- look at the CAPE scores for most schools. They are low to put it mildly. Do you see 15 year olds in your child’s 6th grade class because they were held behind for years for not passing the CAPE? No. DCPS consistently graduates kids who cannot read or do math on grade level. They do not make kids repeat a grade for CAPE. The test means nothing for your student but everything for the teachers, administrators and superintendent of your school.