STAR Tests How they affect student and school

What are the STAR Tests?  STAR stands for Standardized Testing and Reporting.  These tests are mandated by the state of California for all students in grades 2 – 11.  They are administered in the subject areas of English, Math, History, and Science.  They are designed to track the progress of students and school and to ensure that students are meeting the appropriate grade level and subject area standards.

API  API stands for Academic Performance Index.  All schools are given an API towards the end of summer based on the previous school year’s standardized test results. This number ranges from 200 (the lowest) to 1000 (the highest).  The API is calculated based on student performance and participation on the STAR tests, as well as the CAHSEE pass rate.

API Growth Target  Each year, the state of California in coordination with the federal No Child Left Behind Act sets an API growth target for all schools.  That target generally mandates an increase of at least 5% each year.  By the beginning of the 2014 school year, all schools in CA are required to have an API of at least 800.

Our API  El Cajon Valley High School’s API is 632.  Our growth target this year is 660, an increase of 28 points.  As a result, ECVHS will adopt the slogan “ECV 660.” This slogan will be posted in teachers’ classrooms in order to remind students that they have the power to secure the best interests of our students and our school.

What Is At Stake?  We exceeded our growth target last year, so there is an increased urgency that we do so this year.  Should a school fail to continuously meet its API target, the state of CA can decide to take corrective action against the school. This generally involves the state determining how we spend our money and what programs we offer.

How STAR Tests Affect ECVHS  In addition to the previously mentioned potential consequences, the STAR tests have additional effects on our school.  A school’s API is a major part of its reputation, not just in the eyes of the community, but to colleges and universities as well.  We want to ensure that ECVHS continues to be recognized as a top notch educational institution.

How STAR Tests Affect You  On each subject area STAR test, students are scored as either Advanced, Proficient, Basic, Below Basic, or Far Below Basic. Think of this as a grade: A, B, C, D or F.  Next year, for the first time, a student’s STAR test results will be taken into consideration when determining appropriate placement in classes.  For example, a student scoring below Proficient may be denied entry into an AP/Honors course as well as higher level Math or Science courses.

What It All Comes Down To  The fact of the matter is that nobody likes standardized testing, but the reality is that there is a lot riding on these scores.  I think we can all agree that as a school our best effort is yet to be seen. Unfortunately, not all students have taken these exams seriously in the past, and that has created an inaccurate assessment of just what a great school we are.

What We Need To Do  First and foremost, all students need to be present, well-rested, well-fed, and prepared for success.  As the importance of these exams have been made crystal clear, nothing short of your best effort should be acceptable.  Teachers have and will continue to prepare you for these tests. The rest is on you! Handle your business! We know you can do it!

Some Added Incentives  In order to add some additional motivation, we are prepared to make your hard work even more worth while.  Those of you scoring Proficient or Advanced in the ELA STAR test subject area will be awarded with a passing grade.  Should ECVHS meet or exceed its growth target of 660, students will be handsomely rewarded. The choice is yours!

In Conclusion  You all know how it goes. The students that shoots for the “D-” usually ends up with an “F.”  Although our slogan is “ECV 660,” let’s not shoot for 28. Let’s shoot for 30, 35, maybe 40. With all of your best efforts, the sky is the limit!  2 days until test time. You can do it. Show ‘em what you got ECVHS!!!