2. By S. Purcell & T. Wenzel

3. Topic = CST Test Skills Commonly Asked QuestionsCommonly Asked Questions English Strategies Strategies More Commonly Asked QuestionsMore Commonly Asked Questions CST Test Tips

4. Commonly asked questions regarding The CST

5. “What is the CST?”

6. The California Standards Test (CST) / Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) The CST test is a standardized test. That means all 2 nd -11th grade public school students in California take the same test, at the same time, in the same way. Approximately 1.5 million students will take the CST this year. The CST will test 4 areas English, Math, History/Social Science, and Science. “What is the CST/STAR?”

7. “What will I be tested on?”

8. Word Analysis, fluency, and systematic Vocabulary Development Reading Comprehension (Focus on Informational Material) Literary Response and Analysis Written and Oral Language Conventions Writing Strategies What will I be tested on? Topic = CST, 6 th Grade

9. Word Analysis, fluency, and systematic Vocabulary Development Reading Comprehension Literary Response and Analysis Written and Oral Language Conventions Writing Strategies What will I be tested on? Topic = CST, 7 th Grade

10. Word Analysis, fluency, and systematic Vocabulary Development Reading Comprehension Literary Response and Analysis Written and Oral Language Conventions Writing Strategies What will I be tested on? Topic = CST, 8 th Grade

11. “Why do we spend so much time reading and reviewing the directions?”

12. “Why do we spend so much time reviewing the directions?” If you do not understand how to take the test, YOU could make a major mistake that could negatively affect your score. If you read and follow the directions your score will be higher than if you do not read the directions. It is as simple as that.

13. If you have any questions about the test ASK THE TEACHER. It’s our job to answer the questions you have. Teachers cannot give you the answers, but we can explain what the test is asking you to do. “Why do we spend so much time reviewing the directions?”

14. “Can my test score be lowered if I do not bubble in my answer the right way?”

15. oYES! Make sure you are bubbling in the answer completely, and not outside the lines. oUse a dark, #2 pencil. oKeep track of answers you skip. Make sure your questions and answers match up on the answer sheet. oStop after a few questions (5,10, 15, so on) and check to make sure your test booklet and answer sheet match up. “Can my test score be lowered if I do not bubble in my answer the right way?”

16. “Why do we have to take these tests?” The state of California wants to know how much you know compared to other students in the same grade. Your teachers need to know what you know and what you still need to learn. That way, they will be able to teach you better.

17. “How well are we expected to do on the test?” You should always do your best on tests and assignments. Expect Excellence! This test is what we use to decide which classes you will take next school year. You should use this to show yourself and your parents how good a student you really are.

18. “How well are we expected to do on the test?” Scores range from 150-600 Far Below Basic Score = – 6th : 150-267 – 7th : 150-262 – 8th : 150-265 Below Basic Score = – 6th : 268-299 – 7th : 263-299 – 8th : 266-299

19. “How well are we expected to do on the test?” Scores range from 150-600 Basic Score = – 6th : 300-349 – 7th : 300-349 – 8th : 300-349 Proficient Score = – 6th : 350-393 – 7th : 350-400 – 8th : 350-394

20. “How well are we expected to do on the test?” Scores range from 150-600 Advanced Score = – 6th : 394-600 – 7th : 401-600 – 8th : 395-600 Our goal at Stevenson Middle School is for ALL students to achieve at the Proficiency Level and above.

21. Remember, this test is used to measure what you do know, not to make you feel stupid because of what you don’t know.