STAR Test Scores

A good score on the STAR test depends on several factors, including the student's grade level and the specific subject being tested. Generally, a score that places the student "At/Above Benchmark" is considered a strong performance. A Percentile Rank (PR) of 50 or above is typically considered good, indicating average or above-average performance compared to grade-level peers nationally. 

The STAR test provides multiple scores to help educators and parents understand student performance. Here are the key metrics used: 

• Scaled Score (SS): Ranges from 0 to 1400. The scaled score allows you to compare a student's performance over time and across grade levels. Scaled scores are calculated based on the difficulty of questions answered and the number of correct responses. 

• Percentile Rank (PR): Ranges from 1 to 99. This score indicates how well a student performed compared to other students in the same grade. For example, a PR of 85 means the student did better than 85% of peers. 

• Grade Equivalent (GE): Ranges from 0.0 to 12.9+. It shows how a student's performance compares to typical students at different grade levels. For example, if a 5th grader has a GE of 7.6, they performed like a typical 7th grader in the 6th month of school. 

• Student Growth Percentile (SGP): Ranges from 1 to 99. This score compares the student's growth to academic peers nationwide. A higher SGP means greater growth relative to peers. 

• Domain Scores: Typically range from 0 to 100 and estimate a student's mastery of specific subjects like reading or math. A score of 50 means the student is expected to answer 50% of grade-level questions correctly in that domain. 

STAR assessments use color-coding to help quickly identify a student's performance level or proficiency. The colors typically represent the following: 

• Red: Urgent Intervention Needed (lowest performance level) 

• Yellow: Intervention Needed (level of concern) 

• Navy Blue: On Watch (moderate performance level) 

• Green: At/Above Benchmark (highest performance level) 

Some reports may also use Blue to represent "Standards Met" or a mid-range performance level between yellow and green. 

To see STAR test scores, you can usually access them through your child's school portal or by requesting them directly from their teacher. Teachers can provide detailed growth reports and help explain what the scores mean for your child. 

There isn't a universal "passing" score for the STAR test, but a score that falls within the Green - At/Above Benchmark range is generally considered on or above grade level. Scores in the Red or Yellow ranges may indicate that the student needs additional support.

STAR Reading and STAR Math scaled scores generally range from 0 to 1400. The scaled scores correspond to different grade level ranges: 

• Scores of 0-659 typically correspond to grades 1-5 

• Scores of 659-1007 typically correspond to grades 6-8 

• Scores of 1008-1400 typically correspond to grades 9-12 

These ranges can vary by state and by year. 

STAR Math and Reading Assessments also use proficiency benchmarks to indicate how students are performing: 

• 3rd Grade: A scaled score of 436-546 for Reading and 593-645 for Math may be considered proficient. 

• 4th Grade: A scaled score of 520-658 for Reading and 654-710 for Math may be considered proficient. 

• 5th Grade: A scaled score of 630-845 for Reading and 710-766 for Math may be considered proficient. 

The STAR Early Literacy assessment is designed specifically for students in kindergarten through grade 2, focusing on early literacy skills that are crucial for future reading success. 

• Scaled Score ranges from 200 to 1100. It is calculated based on the difficulty of questions answered and the number of correct responses. 

• Literacy Classifications: Based on the scaled score, students are classified into one of four literacy categories: 

• • Early Emergent Reader 

• • Late Emergent Reader 

• • Transitional Reader 

• • Probable Reader 

The STAR Growth Report is a valuable tool for tracking student progress over time. It emphasizes Student Growth Percentile (SGP) and helps educators and parents understand both the achievement level and growth rate of a student. An SGP of 50 represents typical growth, while higher values indicate more substantial development. 

• Set Realistic Goals: Use scaled scores and SGP to set data-driven, achievable goals for students. 

• Tailor Instruction: Utilize growth reports to identify areas where students need additional support or enrichment. 

• Track and Communicate Progress: Regularly review growth reports to monitor progress and communicate results with parents and students. 

• Use Multiple Data Sources: Remember, STAR test scores provide just one part of the overall picture. Use them in combination with other classroom assessments to fully understand student progress. 

The STAR Math and Reading assessments are designed to support growth and learning by identifying strengths and areas for improvement. To see where your child stands and how to help them reach their goals, take advantage of the STAR Growth Report and set both growth and proficiency as targets. 

STAR assessment scores can significantly impact your child's educational plan in several ways: 

• Personalized Instruction: Teachers use STAR scores to tailor instruction to your child's specific needs. Grade Equivalent Scores help educators determine the appropriate level of material and complexity for assignments. Low scores in particular areas may lead to targeted support or interventions to address weaknesses. 

• Goal Setting: STAR scores allow teachers and parents to set realistic academic goals for students. Progress can be tracked over time using the scaled scores and percentile ranks. 

• Placement Decisions: High scores may open opportunities for advanced coursework or gifted programs. Scores help determine if a student qualifies for programs like Accelerated Reader or Accelerated Math. 

• Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: The assessment provides insights into specific skill areas where a student excels or struggles, helping focus on areas needing improvement or enrichment. 

• Monitoring Progress: STAR assessments are typically given three times per year, allowing for ongoing progress monitoring. Changes in scores help evaluate the effectiveness of current instructional approaches. 

• Reading Support: The Instructional Reading Level score indicates the highest level at which a student can comprehend material independently. The Lexile Range helps in selecting appropriately challenging books for optimal reading growth. 

• Communication Tool: STAR scores provide a common language for discussing a student's academic performance among teachers, parents, and the student. 

While STAR scores are valuable, it's important to remember they are just one measure of academic performance. Schools typically consider multiple factors when making educational decisions for students. The scores should be used in conjunction with classroom performance, teacher observations, and other assessments to create a comprehensive educational plan tailored to your child's needs.