05/08/09
9:52 AM

STAR Update

Dear STAR Site Test Coordinators at YEAR-ROUND calendar schools:
 
Grade 2 DFA:  I want to remind you that the Grade 2 Directions for Administration (DFA) booklets are secure and may NOT be distributed to teachers before the first day of testing.  There is a non-secure version of the Grade 2 DFA that you may hand out before testing so that teachers can familiarize themselves with the directions.   The non-secure Grade 2 DFA can be found at http://www.startest.org/cst.html. If you decide to use the non-secure Grade 2 DFAs with teachers, make sure they use the secure version during testing.

STAR Examiner Training: Training Examiners/Proctors before the testing window is one of the responsibilities of the Site Test Coordinator.  In order to help plan for your site’s required STAR training for teachers, I’ve created a “STAR Examiner Training Checklist”.  Please use the attached document to ensure that all pertinent topics are covered with your staff during training.
 
If you have any questions regarding the upcoming STAR administration at your school, please contact me or Denise Ormsbee at dormsbee@sandi.net .
 
Thank you.

05/07/09
12:09 PM

STAR Update

Dear STAR Site Test Coordinators at TRADITIONAL calendar schools:
 
Next week most of you will begin packing your STAR test materials and preparing them for return.  I’ve created a short 8-slide Powerpoint (see attached) that highlights key activities related to packing your materials.  The slides will show you exactly what to do and what to avoid.  

This document is also posted on our "Files to Download" page.
 
If you still have questions about packing your materials, please contact me or Denise Ormsbee at dormsbee@sandi.net.
 
Thank you.

05/05/09
10:54 AM

STAR Update

Dear Principals and STAR Site Test Coordinators:
 
We just received new information from the California Department of Education (CDE) regarding the impact on STAR testing from absences due to the H1N1 virus.  The CDE has agreed to grant an extension to the STAR testing window ONLY for schools that have been closed due to the H1N1 virus.  All other schools (including siblings at the closed schools) will complete testing within the regularly scheduled testing window.  The CDE is working with the U.S. Department of Education to address Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) participation rate issues caused by student absences due to the H1N1 virus.
 
I will keep you all posted if I receive any more information from the CDE.  Please contact me if you have any questions.  

Thank you.

STAR Update

Dear Principals and STAR Site Test Coordinators at TRADITIONAL schools:
 
I’ve received numerous calls regarding the recent school closures (Kearny Complex & SCPA), increase in student absences, and low STAR participation rates due to the H1N1 virus.  I will send out an email to you at the end of this week to solicit feedback regarding the impact on your school’s testing.  The California Department of Education (CDE) has agreed to work with us and accommodate any schools that are negatively affected by the H1N1 virus.
 
I will let you know more as additional information becomes available.

Thank you.

05/04/09
11:02 AM

STAR Update

Dear Principals and STAR Test Site Coordinators for YEAR-ROUND calendar schools:

I want to remind you that the STAR “Nuts and Bolts” Training Sessions for Site Test Coordinators at YEAR-ROUND calendar schools are scheduled for tomorrow and Thursday. See the attached flyer for more details.  Please attend one of the training sessions or send someone from your site to attend.  If you are unable to attend your school’s designated training, you may attend any of the other sessions scheduled.  
 
Please contact me or Denise Ormsbee at dormsbee@sandi.net if you have any questions about the upcoming STAR testing window.  
 
Thank you.