How well students are learning the state standards is measured by their achievement on state tests. Students are best prepared by daily teaching of the content of state standards.  However, they need to be familiar with the style and format of the test, understand the importance of the test, and learn test-taking
strategies to build confidence.

Many of you have begun familiarizing your child with test-taking skills by integrating it into your weekly lesson plans.  You may also want to use test prep materials for several weeks preceding testing time.  There are a number of books you can purchase from Barnes and Noble or The Report Card.  Spectrum Publishing offers a series of Test Prep workbooks in many grade levels.  Look for the Spectrum California Test Preparation series.   Buckle Down can be ordered on Varsity here.

You can also use free materials from the Internet.  The state education website contains a variety of helpful information on their website, including study guides, released test questions and test blueprints that you can use with your child.   For information and former prompts for the 4th and 7th grade writing tests and other STAR tests, go to the CA State Department of Education website (www.cde.ca.gov ), click on Testing and Accountability, click on Standardized testing and Report (STAR), then click on Program Resources.  There you’ll find STAR resources and past prompts, as well as questions and answers about the test.