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Capistrano Unified reports steady CAASPP gains across ELA, math and science
Summary
District staff told the board Capistrano Unified posted year-over-year gains on spring 2025 CAASPP results (ELA +1.8%, math +2.1%, science +2.4%) and noted subgroup and cohort growth attributed to targeted interventions and sustained strategies since the pandemic.
Capistrano Unified officials presented spring 2025 Smarter Balanced (CAASPP) results to trustees on Oct. 15, reporting measurable districtwide gains and improved subgroup performance.
Associate Superintendent Greg Merwin and assistant superintendents outlined the figures: English language arts rose 1.8% from 2024 to 2025, mathematics increased 2.1%, and science improved 2.4%. Staff highlighted that the district’s results are above pre-pandemic levels in the reported subjects and that gaps with the highest-performing Orange County district have narrowed in recent years.
Presenters credited intentional intervention structures—elementary ‘‘WIN time’’ and secondary tutorial periods—along with longitudinal cohort monitoring, site leadership and expanded reclassification efforts for English learners. Assistant Superintendent Jen Smalley and Dr. Dave Stewart said a notable share of students moved up at least one proficiency band on matched cohort comparisons and that the district continues to reduce the percentage of students in the intensive (far-below-basic) band.
Superintendent Chris Brown and trustees framed the results as encouraging but emphasized ongoing work: administrators said the SBA is one of several sources of data used to guide interventions and that schools also use DIBELS, i-Ready and interim assessments for more frequent progress checks.
Trustees praised staff and singled out particular programs and leaders for the gains; staff said more detailed subgroup analyses and dashboard reporting will follow as CAASPP data are incorporated into state accountability displays.
