The STAR Test

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - May 21st, 2014

Recently, some confusion has arisen regarding the terms ‘STAR test’ and ‘CA Common Core’ and how they’re related. These terms can actually refer to one of two distinctly different forms of standardized testing. Here, we’ll briefly explore each test.

CA Common Core

One of the tests commonly referred to as the CA Common Core is the STAR test, standing for Standardized Testing and Reporting. The STAR test, in use since 1998, has for years been the approved method of assessing student learning and comprehension in the state of California.

The STAR test is given to children in grades two through eight, with different portions and subjects being added and removed at age appropriate intervals. Grades two through eleven receive English language arts (ELA) and math test portions; grades four through seven are also tested on writing. Grades five through eleven receive a science portion of the test battery, and grades nine through eleven are also tested on history-social science.

High school seniors do not take the STAR test; instead they take the California High School Exit Examination. You can read a more detailed description of the STAR test at http://www.startest.org/.

The ELA Common Core

The other test commonly referred to as the CA Common Core is the State Standards Initiative Common Core. This test was much more recently developed and will be replacing the STAR test when the STAR expires in 2014.

The State Standards Initiative Common Core is a testing battery similar to the STAR tests, but with crucial differences. Proponents of the Common Core, which seeks to promote a nationwide standard of learning, feel that it is a more thorough assessment of student learning than other standardized tests currently in place.

The State Standards Common Core involves four subjects, with the heaviest focus being placed on English language arts. Other subjects include math, science and history (or social studies). Each state has the option to reject or accept the Common Core. They also have the right to reject only portions, as well as to add subjects which they feel are ‘core’ to a well-rounded education. The Common Core is administered at each grade level beginning with kindergarten or pre-kindergarten.