Dear Fontana Community:

This spring, students throughout the state of California will be participating in the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program.  The STAR Tests measure student’s progress toward achievement of California’s Academic Content Standards in the areas of English/Language Arts, Mathematics, History/Social Science, and Science.

STAR testing is a vital part of school and district accountability.  Together, the STAR Program tests ensure that information about the academic achievement of all students is collected on a regular basis.  This information is critical to evaluating the quality of education provided to your student.  To ensure that schools have the most complete information possible, all students need to participate.  STAR Program test results, along with other available information help school staff form a more complete picture of their students’ academic achievement and various learning needs.

But there are some things that you, as a parent, can do to help prepare your student to do well on the STAR Tests.

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and is well rested so he can be alert and attentive.
• Make sure your child eats a nutritious breakfast.
• If your child wears an assistive device, such as a hearing aide and/or glasses, be sure he remembers to bring and wear them during testing.
• Make sure your child attends school during testing days and arrives on time. Please try to avoid scheduling outside appointments (doctor or dental) on test dates.
• Encourage your child to do his best on the tests without creating anxiety for him and wish him good luck before leaving for school.
• Tell your child that you think the test is important and that you expect him to do his best. If your child knows the testing is important to you and the school, it will become more important to him.
• Ask your child each day about the testing that day.
• Discuss test result with your child when you receive them.

Test results will be mailed to parents/guardians in late summer as soon as they become available. Please keep these reports for use when talking with your child’s teacher(s) about ways to support your student’s learning.

Parents play a key role in helping students succeed in school and do well at test time, whether it’s encouraging a kindergartener in learning to read or helping a college-bound high school student prepare for the SATs. As a partner in your student’s education, we want to thank you for being involved in your child’s academic success.

Best Wishes,

Cali L. Olsen-Binks
Superintendent

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