STAR Testing: How Students Can Succeed

Parents and guardians play a very important part in their children’s education. Encouraging children to do their best in school and to complete school assignments well and on time can have a positive impact on learning. Research about how children learn shows that a great deal can be done at home to increase their academic performance.

You Can Help Your Children Do Better on State Tests:

• Visit the school to find out how your children’s classroom instruction addresses California content standards.
• Attend parent/guardian-teacher conferences to find out how well your children are achieving and what they need to do to improve. 
• Discuss with your children the importance of going to school every day and doing their best on assignments and tests. 
• Make sure your children have a quiet place to study and that they complete all homework assignments.
• Attend parent/guardian information meetings. Ask about the major tests given to children and other ways academic achievement is measured.
• Know when the major tests, such as tests in the STAR Program, are given and find out what you can do to help make sure your children are prepared.
• Discuss upcoming tests with your children, and try to reduce their anxieties about test taking. Reassure children that the test results will provide useful information about what they know and what they still need to learn.
• Make sure your children attend school on testing days, get a good night’s rest, and have breakfast before a big test.
• You also are encouraged to contact the school for additional information about your children’s academic progress and the tests they are taking at school.

Find Out More:
Additional information on the STAR Program and information on grade-level standards being tested:http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/resources.asp

To review sample items: http://starsamplequestions.org