By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015
The Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading, or STAR, are standardized tests that are taken by students using a computer. There are also STAR tests for math and early literacy as well as reading.
STAR testing can be used in grades 1 through 12 to monitor student reading and math achievement. The software scores the student immediately and produces printable reports for teachers and administrators. Teachers are then able to meet student learning needs using these results.
The tests should indicate student weaknesses and strengths so the teacher can direct a student’s learning efforts. This information should help enable the student to meet high-stakes testing requirements. Since the tests are standardized, the assessments compare each student to the national norms. The software feedback includes grade equivalents, percentile ranks and normal curve equivalents.
The STAR Reading test is a 10-minute assessment that provides an approximate measure of student reading levels. The STAR Math test is a 12-minute test that provides an approximate measure of student math levels. The STAR Early Literacy test is a 10-minute test that provides feedback for pre-kindergarten through third grade students. How STAR assessments are used in schools varies from district to district.
Agencies unaffiliated with STAR have assessed the tests and declared them to be technically sound. STAR was awarded the Best Reading Software award by eSchool News in 2006. STAR tests are a product of the company Renaissance Learning.
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