From the Desk of the Superintendent
Superintendent Deborah A. Flores, Ph.D.
Note: The testing period for elementary school students on the extended calendar (Washington, Franklin, and Harding) is April 29 through May 24. A letter was sent to parents, informing them of the specific testing period for their school. The testing period for students in all other schools in the Santa Barbara Elementary and High School Districts is April 22 through May 17. Following is the letter sent to the parents/guardians of students in schools that are on the traditional calendar.
Monday, April 15, 2002
Dear Parents/Guardians:
From April 22 through May 17, students in grades 2-11 in the Santa Barbara School Districts will be taking an important series of tests. These tests, which are part of the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program, include two components:
- Stanford Achievement Test (SAT9), a norm-referenced, multiple choice test;
- California Standards Test, which measures mastery of state-adopted standards.
Additionally, students in Grade 1 will take the SAT9 as part of a District assessment program. Limited English Proficient students who have been in California public schools less than 12 months are required to take the Spanish Assessment of Basic Education, also known as SABE/2.
Student testing will be administered as follows:
- Grade 1 – reading, language, and spelling.
- Grade 2 through 8 – reading, written expression (language), spelling, and math.
- Grades 9 through 11 – reading, writing (language) math, science, and history/social studies.
Second- through sixth-grade students are required to participate in the STAR program unless the child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that specifically states that he/she is not to participate in all or part of the test, or the child’s parents have submitted a written request that their child be exempted from all or part of the test.
STAR tests are important for several reasons. They provide parents, students, and educators with data on individual student performance. They provide one of several types of measures used to monitor academic progress and identify areas for improvement. They also provide a way of monitoring the effectiveness of our Districts’ instructional program. Additionally, these tests are useful tools in making comparisons and evaluating the similarities and differences among schools and districts across the state. By testing each student over time, on different subjects, and observing his/her performance in the classroom, educators are able to identify each student’s areas of strength and areas where he/she needs help.
A report explaining your child’s performance will be mailed to you during the summer. If you have questions about the testing program or schedule, please contact your child’s principal or the Districts’ Director of Research and Evaluation, Dr. Brian Sarvis, at (805) 963-7751, extension 252.
Parents play an important role in helping their child prepare for testing. Research indicates that students perform better when they are well rested and have a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam. Equally important, support and encouragement from parents and teachers helps students put their best foot forward. Thank you for your assistance.