STAR (software) facts for kids
  STAR Reading and STAR Early Literacy (blue) and STAR Math (green) logos. |
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"Splash screen" for "STAR Reading Management," the teacher/administrator access to STAR Reading, version 2.3 for Microsoft Windows.
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| Developer(s) | Renaissance Learning |
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| Stable release |
STAR Math 2.1.3, STAR Reading 2.4.2
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| Operating system | Windows, Mac |
| Type | Educational |
STAR Reading, STAR Early Literacy, and STAR Math are special computer tests. They help teachers understand how students are doing in reading, early reading skills, and math. These tests are made by a company called Renaissance Learning.
These tests are "computer-adaptive." This means the questions change based on how you answer. If you answer correctly, the next question might be a bit harder. If you get it wrong, it might be easier. This helps the test figure out your skill level quickly.
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What STAR Means
The name STAR used to stand for "Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading." But now, the company makes STAR tests for other subjects too, like math. So, the name STAR doesn't stand for anything specific anymore.
The very first STAR test was just called "STAR." Later, when STAR Math was created, the original test became "STAR Reading." It's important not to confuse these tests with other tests that have "STAR" in their name, like California's STAR tests.
Why We Use STAR Tests
STAR tests help teachers learn about how students are growing and what they have learned. These tests are for students in grades 1 through 12.
When a student takes a STAR test, the computer scores it right away. Teachers can then look at reports for individual students, whole classes, or even entire grades. This helps them see how everyone is doing. Teachers can then change their lessons to help each student better. They can also make sure students are ready for other important tests.
About STAR Assessments
Each STAR test gives an idea of a student's skills. It also compares a student's abilities to other students across the country. These tests help schools plan what to teach. They give feedback on how students, classes, and grades are progressing. The software shows scores that help teachers understand student progress.
These tests are "standardized," meaning everyone takes them in the same way. This helps make sure the results are fair. The results from STAR tests can often predict how students will do on other similar tests.
All STAR products used to be programs you installed on a computer. Now, the company mostly offers them online through a system called Renaissance Place.
STAR Reading
STAR Reading checks how well students can read. It gives an idea of a student's reading level. The company says students can finish this test in less than 10 minutes.
STAR Early Literacy
STAR Early Literacy helps check skills for very young readers. It looks at skills students need before they can read well. This test helps identify reading levels for students from pre-kindergarten to third grade. The company says students can finish this test in less than 10 minutes.
STAR Math
STAR Math checks students' math skills. It gives an idea of a student's math level. The company says students can finish this test in less than 12 minutes.
STAR Spanish
STAR Spanish checks students' skills in the Spanish language. It focuses on reading comprehension for students in grades 1-5. However, older Spanish-speaking students (grades 1-12) can also take it. STAR Spanish tracks a student's Spanish reading level and how much they improve over time.
How Reliable and Valid Are STAR Tests?
When we talk about tests, "reliability" means if you take the test again soon, you would get a similar score. "Validity" means the test actually measures what it's supposed to measure. For example, a reading test should measure reading, not just how fast you can click.
Many studies have shown that STAR Reading, STAR Math, and STAR Early Literacy are reliable and valid. Other studies also show that STAR test results match up well with results from other similar tests. But remember, any test score can change a little bit each time you take it. This is normal.
Groups outside the company, like the National Center on Student Progress Monitoring, have looked at STAR products. They found them to be good quality. Another group, the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, said that STAR Reading and STAR Early Literacy compare students to both set standards and to other students. They also noted that STAR Early Literacy checks eight different learning skills.
STAR Early Literacy was even mentioned in a 2006 survey by eSchool News as one of the "Best Reading Software" choices.
See also
- Accelerated Reader
- Accelerated Math
