STAR Testing: Tips for Student Success

On Monday, students in Pacifica School District started STAR testing, a series of standardized tests that measures student improvement in core content areas.

The entire STAR test is made up of California Standards Tests. These tests are made up multiple-choice questions and cover the core content areas of English/Language Arts, Math, Science, and History.

Though most students have taken standardized tests in the past, some students can experience test anxiety before the test, while others, when seeing their scores, may feel surprised that they didn’t receive higher scores.

As an educator, I have given many standardized tests to my students, and for the past five years, I have taught several test prep classes, proctored dozens of SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test) and SAT (School Admisstion Test) tests, and even wrote a book on test prep for the CHSPE, the California High School Proficiency Exam.

In all my research and experience, I have found that test success can be boiled down to a few simple tips.

Know What Is Being Tested

All students should be prepared for tests. Teachers sometimes give study guides for regular big tests, and students appreciate knowing ahead of time the test expectations. Knowing how many questions and the material covered is a simple start. The test breakdown is:

Grades

English/Language Arts

General Math

Specialized Math

Science

History

2-3

65 questions

4-11

75 questions + 8 points for written essay

2-6

65 questions

7

65 questions

65 Questions

8-11

65 Questions

65 Questions in Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II, Integrated Math 1, 2, or 3, or Summative Math

5, 8, 10

60 Questions

9-11

60 Questions in either Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Integrated/Co-ordinated Science 1, 2, 3, OR 4

8

75 Questions from World History, Geography, Ancient Civiliza-tions, and US History

11

60 Questions from US History and Geography

Know How the Test is Scored

California Standards Tests have a complicated scoring system. Scores are scaled and then expressed as a mean score. Because the questions range from easy to more difficult, every question cannot be counted with the same value. Therefore, the harder questions are “weighted”, making them worth more points for the overall score.

Students will receive one of four possible scores: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic, with Proficient being the expectation.

• Advanced scores demonstrate a deep, complex understanding of the given subject material and excellent performance.
• Proficient scores show a strong grasp of the content material and that the student is generally skilled in the content areas.
• Basic scores express limited success.  There is partial, incomplete understanding of the content material.
• Below Basic scores show that the student significantly struggles with the content material, with little to no understanding of core concepts.

Students and parents must understand that it is not expected that all questions will be answered correctly, as some questions are more advanced than what has been currently covered in class. However, it is important that the student get the easy questions correct, giving them the best chance to receive the highest possible score.

Be Prepared the Day of the Test

Have you ever tried to leave the house when you’re late but couldn’t find your keys? The pressure of being late while frantically searching for a small object can make anyone frazzled. Students can feel the same way when they have to take standardized tests. The pressure to do well can make them forget their needed materials.

Though pencils are available at school, students should have one or two new available pencils. They should double check that they have their lunch or lunch money and that any homework or additional needed school materials are all ready in their backpacks.

Students should arrive on time, even a few extra minutes early, so they do not have to reschedule a test. Arriving early can give students a chance to talk with friends, go to the bathroom, get a drink, and get organized before the test.

Home Support

Children should eat a protein, non-sugary breakfast before testing days. Brains need fuel to function, and standardized tests push the limits of brain stamina. Sugary cereals can lead to a sugar crash, making the student sluggish later on in the day.

Bedtimes for younger students should be enforced and consistent during these testing days, ensuring a solid 8 hours of quiet sleep time.

Limiting caffiene, sugar, and extensive use of media during the testing week has proven helpful in my experience.

Family members, if possible, should not put additional pressure on students regarding performance and possible failure. Simple encouragement is preferred while testing.

Self Pep Talk

After getting settled before a test, students should take a minute to remind themselves that they are focused, that they will do their best, and that they don’t have to get every question correct to be a success.