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Testing Information

2004 STAR Testing Information |  | Year's Testing Schedule  |  
California Assessment System for 2003-2004 (What's tested? What grade? pdf) 
Sample Test Questions Released from the State
 MVMS UPDATED (4/9/04) STAR/CAT6 Testing Schedule 
 Memo to Leadership Team
Testing Make-Up Schedule

California’s Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program, 2004 

Again this year, all students enrolled in California’s public schools, grades 2-11, will participate in California’s Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program.  The STAR program requires all school districts throughout the state to annually use the same standardized tests to assess the achievement of students in the areas of reading, mathematics and language arts.

There are three components of the STAR Program:

 

  1. The California Achievement Test, Sixth Edition, CAT-6 is a standardized test that compares the performance of students across the state and nation.  All students are assessed in reading, language arts and mathematics.  This test will be administered April 27-May 7.  (To view MVMS testing schedule go to http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/teachers/dhogan/MV/testing_information.htm)

 

  1. The California Content Standards Test, is also administered to all students in grades 2-11.  These assessments compliment the CAT-6. California Standards Tests or CST’s, were developed in California to measure student mastery of the California’s academic standards.  As with the CAT-6, all students are evaluated in reading and mathematics.   Eighth grade students will take a CST social science test.  These tests will be administered along with the CAT-6, April 27-May 7.

 

  1. Students in grade 4 and 7 will participate in the State Writing Assessment.  This assessment requires students to write an original paper in response to a prompt.  The test, which takes most students less than an hour to complete, will be administered state-wide on May 11-12.

 

The STAR is one component of the District’s comprehensive assessment plan that includes classroom and district-wide performance assessments in reading, writing, mathematics, and elective assessments such as the SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement tests.

 

Special preparation for the STAR is not necessary.  Poway’s curriculum is aligned with California’s academic standards and teachers periodically review concepts and skills throughout the year to refresh their students.  Absenteeism during the testing period can create problems for many students.  Those who miss testing sessions with their class will be given make-up sessions in supervised small group settings.  Most students prefer to take the test along with their classmates.

 

The STAR yields individual score reports for each student that are sent home within 30 days of their receipt by the district; this is usually in August.  Parents have the right to exempt their child from all or any portion of the test.  If you prefer that your child not participate in the STAR program, please send a written notice to your child’s teacher before the first day of testing.  Please include your child’s name, grade and school.  The request must bear a signature of the parent/guardian.