California Star Program Workbook - Grade 8

Introduction to the STAR This workbook will help you prepare for the California Grade 8 STAR tests. The two exams in this book will help you test your knowledge of important concepts in math and English. These exams will also give you a feel for answering multiple-choice questions and taking tests under timed conditions. These are not "sample" STAR tests. But the exams in this workbook will give you a chance to learn test-taking skills and find out what you know and what you don't know. That way, you can pay special attention to your weakest areas and be prepared to do well on the day of the real STAR test.What Is the STAR Program?The STAR is the California Department of Education's Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program. The STAR test for grade 8 consists of multiple-choice tests in Mathematics -- Problem Solving; Mathematics -- Procedures; Reading Vocabulary; Reading Comprehension; Language; and Spelling. There are also two additional multiple-choice tests in Language Arts and Mathematics that are designed to determine how well students have learned the content of the state's curriculum. STAR administration varies by school district, but the state recommends that no more than two subtests be given on one day.Is the STAR Test Important?Performance on the STAR test has a large impact on both the student and the school district. Based on test performance, the state ranks all schools, showing how well or how poorly their students fared on the exam. Schools that do badly may face the possibility of having superintendents, principals, or teachers fired based on their low performance, although for now there is no specific plan in place to deal with low-scoring schools. As for the individual eighth-grader, it is up to each school district to decide whether students who fail the STAR tests can be promoted to the next grade. The STAR tests are not necessarily the sole factor, however. Other factors, such as attendance, teacher recommendation, and performance on local assessment tests may also be used by the local district to decide whether or not a student can advance to the next grade level.How to Use This BookThis book contains two tests. Each covers subjects such as reading, math, language, and spelling. Start by taking Practice Test A. There is no need to study or prepare for this exam since the goal is to discover how well you can score without any preparation.Of course, time yourself when taking the test, and limit yourself to the time listed and the start of each test section. You don't have to complete all the sections in a row, but do not stop working on any one section until your time is up. Taking breaks during a section is not the best way to prepare for the STAR. There will be no breaks during the real STAR.Remember that there is no guessing penalty on the STAR test -- that means no points are subtracted for wrong answers. So answer all the questions even if you have to guess. Use process of elimination -- crossing out the answers you know are wrong -- to help you make better guesses.It's also a good idea to write down all your work, especially for the math questions. Try to work at a steady pace, and don't get stuck on any one question. If you have time, you can always go back to look at it again.Once you finish the first test, look at the Answers and Explanations section that follows Practice Test A. Your answers to the questions on the first test -- and specifically, the ones you answered incorrectly -- will guide you to the subjects you need to focus on. If you scored low in one area, call that a "Hot Spot." You should find extra help for that subject. Ask your teachers, parents, or friends for advice.While working on your Hot Spots, take some time to look over the Strategy Recap section of this book. This is a summary of the some of the information found in the Answers and Explanations section. YouJohnson, Cynthia is the author of 'California Star Program Workbook - Grade 8' with ISBN 9780743204880 and ISBN 0743204883.