2. OBJECTIVES
• Students will be able to explain
– What “Little Star” is?
– Why “Little Star” is important?
– How we will use it?
– What an adaptive assessment is?
– How it will help me (the student) achieve my goals?
3. STAAR IS NOT STAR
STAAR
• Created by the State of Texas
• Taken once a year
• Shows what you already
learned.
• “Meet or do not – there is no
try.” (Star Wars reference)
• Different subjects and grade
levels
STAR
• Administered across the
United States
• Available “on-demand”
• Shows what you are learning
now.
• Focuses on GROWTH
• Math and reading – all grade
levels!
4. WHICH STUDENT IS DOING
BETTER?
John
• Passed the 8th grade reading
STAAR.
• August 2013 Reading Level:
8.2
• March 2014 Reading Level:
8.6
Saul
• Did not pass the 8th grade
reading STAAR.
• August 2013 Reading Level:
4.3
• March 2014 Reading Level:
7.8
6. SKILL AREAS
Math Star Reading Star
1. Word Knowledge and Skills
2. Comprehension Strategies
and Constructing Meaning
3. Analyzing Literary Text
4. Understanding Author’s
Craft
5. Analyzing Argument and
evaluating Text
1. Numbers and Operations
2. Geometry and
Measurement
3. Data Analysis, Statistics,
and Probability
4. Algebra
9. WHEN YOU GET YOUR
COMPUTER:
• Go to https://hosted274.renlearn.com/2406896
• Click “I’m a Student”
• Wait quietly until everyone is ready; we will start at the
same time
10. NOW YOU CAN LOG IN AND BEGIN
• Username: Your student ID # (1080…)
• Password: abc123
• Once you’re logged in, begin the test.
• Remember:
– Do your best, even on the easy questions
– Watch the clock! Don’t run out of time!
– Guess if you don’t know the answer.
When you finish:
1) Close your
computer.
2) Sleep, read or
work silently.
11. EXIT TICKET
• What are three ways that “Little Star” can be
better than STAAR in helping me learn and
grow?
• What are two ways that “Little Star” can help my
teacher focus on my individual needs as a
student?
• What is one way that “Little Star” can help me
get to and through college?
Notas do Editor
Emphasize that STAR will help give you immediate feedback on your growth in reading and math. Mention that Star will help us focus on core skills necessary for college success. In order to make sure that we are closing achievement gaps, some students may be assessed every 3-6 weeks.
Make sure to mention that Star is a short computer administered assessment.
Although John passed his STAAR test, he only grew 0.4 grade levels last year. With similar growth In 9th grade, he will likely not pass STAAR this year.
In contrast, Saul did not meet standard on reading STAAR last year, but grew 3.5 grade levels in reading skill. Not only will Saul likely pass STAAR in 9th grade but will be college-ready by the time he is a Junior.
A Star assessment always consists of 34 questions and takes about half an hour. Teach test is customized based on a student’s responses - this is called adaptive testing.
In adaptive testing, if a student answers a question correctly the next question will be harder. Similarly, if a student answers a question incorrectly the next question will be easier. This let’s the computer “zero in” on where you are.
Not doing your best can product widely inaccurate results! This will often results in students being assigned work that they already know how to do – a waste of everyone’s time.
Emphasize that these skills are all necessary for college success. Relate these to your campuses core initiatives.
Mention to students that 20% of College freshmen have to take remedial classes in college. Note: Remediation rates at UT Pan Am have dropped from 68% to 16% in the last ten years – see http://www.themonitor.com/report-college-remediation-fails-students/article_69d89d82-fac0-54ee-b89d-c544d96b1bcc.html?mode=jqm
Emphasize that Star will tell students and teacher which specific skills that student should work on in class and during Catalyst.
Little Star not only provides students and teachers will skill reports, but provides an up-to-the minute summary so that parents can better support their students. This type of information is powerful during parent conferences and in getting students to come in for extra help.
Teachers: Read scripted instructions here.
This can also be done as a pair-share or whole group discussion. Use the lesson objectives (referenced below) to guide student answers.
Students will be able to explain
What “Little Star” is?
Why “Little Star” is important?
How we will use it?
What an adaptive assessment is?
How it will help me (the student) achieve my goals?
