Parent/Guardian Guide to the 2008 STAR Program

The tests in the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program are an important part of the state assessment system. These tests are administered each spring to measure how well students in California’s public schools are achieving California content standards. These achievement tests target English-language arts and mathematics in grades two through eleven. In addition, tests in science and history-social science are given in selected grades.

Educating students is a team effort. Parents, guardians, students, schools, and communities benefit when there is a shared responsibility for learning. To fully participate as part of this team, parents and guardians should have a thorough understanding of the role the tests in the STAR Program play in making sure that all students achieve California content standards.

Answers to commonly asked questions about the 2008 STAR Program are provided below. Additional information about specific tests in the STAR Program is available in this packet.

Questions and Answers About the STAR Program

Who participates in the STAR Program?

All students in grades two through eleven in California public schools participate in the STAR Program each spring. This includes students with disabilities and English learners.

What are the tests in the 2008 STAR Program?

• The California Standards Tests (CSTs) measure the achievement of California content standards in English-language arts, mathematics, science, and history-social science. These tests are given in grades two through eleven.
• The California Achievement Tests, Sixth Edition (CAT/6 Survey) measure the achievement of general academic knowledge in core subjects. These norm-referenced tests are given in grades three and seven only and provide national comparisons for these grades.
• The California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) measures the achievement of California content standards in English-language arts, mathematics, and science. This alternate assessment is given to students in grades two through eleven, who have significant cognitive disabilities and are unable to take the CSTs even with accommodations or modifications.
• The California Modified Assessment (CMA) measures the achievement of California content standards in English-language arts, mathematics, and science. In 2008, this assessment is given to students with disabilities in grades three hrough five, who meet CMA eligibility criteria approved by the State Board of Education.
• The Standards-based Tests in Spanish (STS) measure the achievement of California content standards in reading-language arts and mathematics in Spanish. In 2008, these assessments are given to Spanish-speaking English learners in grades two through seven.
• The Aprenda, La prueba de logros en español, Tercera edición (Aprenda 3) measures the achievement of general academic knowledge in Spanish. In 2008, this norm-referenced test is given to Spanish-speaking English learners in grades eight through eleven.

Must all students participate in STAR Program testing?

Yes. All students must participate unless their parents or guardians have submitted a written request to the school to exempt them from STAR Program testing (Education Code Section 60615). It is very important that all students take part in the STAR Program. Each school district and school must have at least 95 percent of its students participate in statewide assessments in order to meet federal accountability requirements.

When will I receive my student’s STAR Student Report?

Most parents and guardians will receive the STAR student reports by the end of September 2008.

What information will my student’s report include?

Your student’s STAR Student Report will provide results for the CSTs, CAT/6 Survey, CAPA, CMA, or STS, depending on the test taken. The CST or the CAPA report will show scores and performance levels for each subject tested. Performance levels of proficient or advanced indicate that your student is meeting or surpassing the state’s target for academic achievement. Performance levels of basic, below basic, or far below basic indicate areas of learning that need improvement. The CMA or the STS report will show a percent correct score for each subject tested.

In addition, the STAR Student Report for the CSTs will include scores for specific content areas within each subject tested and a California Reading List (CRL) Number. An explanation about all of the information included in your student’s report will accompany the report.

Note: Parents and guardians are reminded that their students’ results are confidential and are maintained only by the school district.

What is the California Reading List Number?

The California Reading List (CRL) Number is an index based on each student’s score on the CST in English-language arts. Parents, guardians, students, and teachers may use the CRL to access a list of books that are at a student’s reading level. The list is available on the STAR Web page. Parents and guardians may find this list helpful when selecting books for their students to read at home.

How will results of the STS or Aprenda 3 be reported to parents and guardians?

Student reports for the STS or Aprenda 3 must be distributed to parents or guardians within 20 working days after the school district has received them. The STS and Aprenda 3 student reports should arrive in school districts by the end of September. The student reports for these two tests will be provided in Spanish.

How are the 2008 STAR Program results used to improve my student’s education?

• STAR Program results provide information about each student’s progress that is used to help parents or guardians and teachers work together to improve student learning.
• Schools use STAR Program results to help make decisions about how best to support student achievement.
• STAR Program results also can be used, along with other available data, to assist in identifying students for promotion or retention and for special intervention or enrichment programs. Test results, however, should never be used as the only source of information to make important decisions about a student’s education.

How to find out more

If you have additional questions about the California content standards or the STAR Program, please direct them to your student’s teacher, counselor, or the school office. You also can find answers to your questions about the STAR Program on the STAR Web page. The California content standards can be reviewed on the at Content Standards Web page.