What role does prior knowledge play in a student's performance on the CAASPP English assessment?

Prior knowledge plays a crucial role in a student's performance on the CAASPP English assessment because it directly influences how students comprehend and engage with new texts. When students have a solid foundation of knowledge about a subject, they can make connections between what they already know and the new information being presented. This allows them to better understand context, themes, and nuances within the texts they read.

Furthermore, prior knowledge helps students develop analytical skills, enabling them to critically evaluate and interpret the text's meaning and implications. This engagement not only aids in comprehension but also encourages deeper thinking and reflection, which are essential skills assessed in the CAASPP. As a result, students who draw upon their background knowledge are likely to perform better on comprehension questions and analysis tasks found in the assessment.