There’s FSA, SAT, ACT, and AP testing, but what about STAR testing? Standardized testing isn’t something most would want to discuss. However, this week students begin STAR testing, and many aren’t happy with this new required test. With the number of students who haven’t taken the FSA last year, it has become more difficult for teachers to know their students’ placement for math and reading. Although this shouldn’t be necessary for the students that have taken and passed their FSA, the test is still required for everyone to take. Within the majority of the students who’ve taken and passed the FSA not wanting to take another placement test, isn’t an option. Along with the added stress of having the SAT and other tests coming up, students feel an additional placement test doesn’t do any good for them and is just a waste of time. However, the STAR test comes in handy as it provides teachers with learning where the students stand academically that haven’t taken the FSA. Without data, teachers don’t know which student needs the most help.

“The test can also be used to measure strengths and shortcomings. We will be able to recognize when more class attention is required when teaching a specific subject. When grading the works, a pattern of flaws may emerge. The Star test is a fantastic strategy to employ while teaching before formal examinations in this situation.” Ms. Williams said.

Yet, testing isn’t the most accurate reference. For instance, students with test anxiety don’t perform as well on a test as they do in class. Patterned testing doesn’t necessarily conduct one’s intelligence. Nonetheless, the STAR test doesn’t conclude anything about the student, only  it can provide teachers with data of one’s strengths and weaknesses. Though for a test that is not worth anything, some students wouldn’t take the test seriously. For this case, teachers have a harder time assisting those who guess on every question or fail to take the test.

“State tests can be beneficial in three ways: To begin with, state placement tests provide me with information on how well my children are performing in comparison to their peers. That wake-up call is exactly what I need right now. Second, state placement tests hold me responsible for teaching the state’s priority learning requirements. In particular, this is true when the tests are crucial to the student’s graduation. States can also use the data collected from state placement tests to create or enhance teacher evaluation systems that identify, reward, and retain the best teachers in their classrooms.” Ms. Williams continues.

Among all of the standardized tests taken, the STAR test is the least to be concerned about. Here’s the thing, unlike teachers, students were informed about this test days ago without a heads up. Similar to taking a pop quiz, but the STAR test won’t hurt one’s GPA. Still worried…Don’t be! Remember the test is not a grade, and it won’t be submitted to the colleges you are applying for. For one can never fail such a placement test. Just be able to prove to your teachers that you’re sufficient in both math and reading.  Amidst the SAT coming around, the STAR serves as a guidance and tracker to better one’s SAT score. Hence, the SAT is nothing compared to the STAR test. While the SAT offers universities a single data point, it also measures a high school student’s college readiness. Typically STAR exams are regionally devised tests that students must complete at least three times during the year, referred to as screening periods: Fall, Winter, and Spring. These benchmarks are used to evaluate students’ achievement on Common Core standards and to define learning goals for the next benchmark.