All WCUSD students in grades 2-11 participate in the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. Established by the California state legislature in 1997, the STAR Program is the cornerstone of California’s assessment system and is designed to measure how well students are learning the knowledge and skills identified in California’s content standards.

 

Most students will take an assessment that measures achievement of California’s content standards for English–language arts, mathematics, science, and history–social science called the California Standardized Test (CST).  Eligible Special Education students with disabilities that prevent them from achieving grade-level standards on the CSTs, with or without accommodations, may take the California Modified Assessment (CMA) and students with significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to take the CSTs even with accommodations or modifications may take the California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA).

 

In addition to the STAR Programs, California Ed. Code 60640 requires Spanish-speaking English learners who either receive instruction in their primary language or have been enrolled in a school in the United States less than 12 months to take the STS, a test that measures achievement of California’s content standards in Spanish.

 

Parents are encouraged to support their child in preparation for STAR Testing by making sure that students attend school each day, arrive on time well-rested and eat a nutritious breakfast.  It is equally important for your child to get a good night’s sleep prior to testing. 

 

For additional information including specific testing schedules, please contact your child’s school.