By S. Purcell & T. Wenzel

Topic = CST Test Skills

•Commonly Asked Questions

•English Strategies

•More Commonly Asked Questions

CST Test Tips

Commonly asked questions regarding The CST

“What is the CST?”

The California Standards Test (CST) / Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR)

The CST test is a standardized test. That means all 2nd -11th grade public school students in California take the same test, at the same time, in the same way.

Approximately 1.5 million students will take the CST this year.

The CST will test 4 areas English, Math, History/Social Science, and Science.

“What is the CST/STAR?”

“What will I be tested on?”

• Word Analysis, fluency, and systematic Vocabulary Development

• Reading Comprehension (Focus on Informational Material)

• Literary Response and Analysis• Written and Oral Language

Conventions• Writing Strategies

What will I be tested on?

Topic = CST, 6th Grade

• Word Analysis, fluency, and systematic Vocabulary Development

• Reading Comprehension • Literary Response and

Analysis• Written and Oral Language

Conventions• Writing Strategies

What will I be tested on?

Topic = CST, 7th Grade

• Word Analysis, fluency, and systematic Vocabulary Development

• Reading Comprehension• Literary Response and Analysis• Written and Oral Language

Conventions• Writing Strategies

What will I be tested on?

Topic = CST, 8th Grade

“Why do we spend so much time reading and reviewing the

directions?”

“Why do we spend so much time reviewing the directions?”

If you do not understand how to take the test, YOU could make a major mistake that could negatively affect your score.

If you read and follow the directions your score will be higher than if you do not read the directions. It is as simple as that.

If you have any questions about the test ASK THE TEACHER. It’s our job to answer the questions you have.

Teachers cannot give you the answers, but we can explain what the test is asking you to do.

“Why do we spend so much time reviewing the directions?”

“Can my test score be lowered if I do not bubble in my answer the right way?”

o YES! Make sure you are bubbling in the answer completely, and not outside the lines.

o Use a dark, #2 pencil.o Keep track of answers you skip . Make sure

your questions and answers match up on the answer sheet.

o Stop after a few questions (5,10, 15, so on) and check to make sure your test booklet and answer sheet match up.

“Can my test score be lowered if I do not bubble in my answer the right way?”

“Why do we have to take these tests?”

• The state of California wants to know how much you know compared to other students in the same grade.

• Your teachers need to know what you know and what you still need to learn. That way, they will be able to teach you better.

“How well are we expected to do on the test?”• You should always do your

best on tests and assignments. Expect Excellence!

• This test is what we use to decide which classes you will take next school year.

• You should use this to show yourself and your parents how good a student you really are.

“How well are we expected to do on the test?”

• Scores range from 150-600• Far Below Basic Score =– 6th: 150-267– 7th: 150-262– 8th: 150-265

• Below Basic Score =– 6th: 268-299– 7th: 263-299– 8th: 266-299

“How well are we expected to do on the test?”

• Scores range from 150-600• Basic Score =– 6th: 300-349– 7th: 300-349– 8th: 300-349

• Proficient Score =– 6th: 350-393– 7th: 350-400– 8th: 350-394

“How well are we expected to do on the test?”

• Scores range from 150-600• Advanced Score =– 6th: 394-600– 7th: 401-600– 8th: 395-600

• Our goal at Stevenson Middle School is for ALL students to achieve at the Proficiency Level and above.

Remember, this test is used to measure what you do know, not to make you feel stupid

because of what you don’t know.