NOTE: Before this letter is distributed, be sure to insert the information required in brackets and in bold.
Dear Parents or Guardians:
This spring, your student, along with public school students throughout California, will take part in the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. All students in grades two through eleven will take the California Standards Tests (CSTs). In addition, students in grades four and seven will take the California Writing Standards Test as part of the CST in English-language arts. These tests measure how well students are achieving California content standards for all subjects tested.
Students in grades three and seven also will take the California Achievement Tests, Sixth Edition Survey (CAT/6 Survey) at the same time. Results from the CAT/6 Survey compare the general academic knowledge of California’s students with students throughout the nation.
Spanish-speaking English learners in grades two through eleven also will take a designated primary language test (DPLT) if:
- They receive instruction in Spanish (regardless of how long they have been in school in the United States), or
- They have been enrolled in a school in the United States for less than 12 months (cumulative).
At the option of the school district, schools also may test English learners who will have been in a United States school 12 months or more (cumulative) and who are not receiving instruction in Spanish. Students in grades two through seven, who are eligible for primary language testing, will take the Standards-based Tests (STS) in Spanish. Eligible students in grades eight through eleven will take the Aprenda, La prueba de logros en español, Tercera edición (Aprenda 3). English learners who speak a primary language other than Spanish will not participate in a primary language test.
Eligible special education students in grades three through five with disabilities that prevent them from achieving grade-level standards on the CSTs, with or without accommodations, will take the California Modified Assessment (CMA). Participation is based on each student’s individualized education program (IEP). Students in grades three through five may be assessed in English-language arts and/or mathematics. Students in grade five also may be assessed in science. The CMA is based on California content standards for the subjects tested.
Students with significant cognitive disabilities, who are unable to take the CSTs or CMA, will take the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA). Students in grades two through eleven will be assessed in English-language arts and mathematics. Students in grades five, eight, and ten also will be assessed in science. The CAPA is based on California content standards for the subjects tested.
The results of the STAR Program tests provide valuable information about the academic achievement of all students. It is important, therefore, that students do their best on these tests. On testing days, please make sure your student attends school, gets a good night’s rest, and has a healthy breakfast.
Test results for both the CSTs and CAT/6 Survey will be sent to each student’s home address in one STAR Student Report within 20 days after the school district has received the reports. The CAPA, CMA, STS, or Aprenda 3 results will each be sent in a separate report. Individual results are confidential and will be shared only with parents or guardians and the student’s teacher(s). Please keep these reports for use when talking to teacher(s) about ways to support your student’s learning.
The 2008 STAR Program testing and makeup dates for our school district are listed below:
| School District Testing Dates |
School District Makeup Dates |
2008 STAR Program Tests |
|---|---|---|
California Standards Tests (CSTs) California Writing Standards Tests* California Achievement Tests, Sixth Edition Survey (CAT/6 Survey) California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) California Modified Assessment (CMA) Standards-based Tests in Spanish (STS) Aprenda, La prueba de logros en español, Tercera edición (Aprenda 3) |
Contact [Insert local contact information] during regular school hours if you have questions about the STAR Program or the testing schedule.
* These writing tests are part of the CSTs in English-language arts in grades four and seven.
