A STAR assessment is a test designed to test a student’s knowledge of different topics. STAR stands for Standardized Test for Assessment of Reading. When it first came out, it was only available as a reading exam. The score a student received showed how he or she ranked among peers in the class and other students who took the test. Though the reading assessment is still one of the more popular options, this assessment now covers other topics too.
What Tests are Available?
One of the assessments available is a reading assessment that students can complete in around 10 minutes. Students can also take an early literacy exam that shows what reading level each student is at. The makers of these assessments also offer a math option that tests the skills and abilities students have at different math levels. These exams are unique when compared to other standardized tests. Instead of giving all students the same questions, it will change and tailor the test based on how students respond to specific questions. Students who perform better at lower levels will gain access to more advanced questions.
Benefits of the Test
Standardized tests like the STAR are important because the results show parents and educators the areas that students need to work on and help identify students falling behind their peers. Teachers can use the results given to them to determine whether they need to go back over some older content, if certain students are ready to move up and if there are any students struggling with basic information. Schools can use this information to determine what students to place in remedial classes that move a little slower and what students can handle more advanced topics.
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Results Shown
According to RENAISSANCE, the company that makes the STAR assessment, both parents and teachers receive a copy of the results. Parents can actually request a copy when meeting with a teacher during an open house or conference. It shows the number of questions that the student got correct, the number of skills the student mastered and whether the student met the correct answer goal for the marking period and/or year. The results also show how the student did when compared to his or her peers. It lists the class median for percent of correct answers and the number of skills mastered, which lets parents see if their children are on par with their peers.
Where Students Can Take the Assessment
Many parents want to know if they can have their kids take these assessments at home. As RENAISSANCE uses a computer version of the exam, some parents think that it makes sense that their children could take it outside of school. The company only offers these assessments to schools though and do not have options available for those who want a home version of any of the tests. Requiring that students take each test in school lets the teacher control the environment and ensure that each student has the same experience while sitting in front of the computer.
Assessing the skills that students have at a young age is fundamental for their future development. Teachers can learn where students need more help and can tailor the support that those students get. The STAR assessment refers to a series of exams designed to test students’ reading, math and literacy skills.
