Clovis Unified School District in Clovis, CA STAR Testing Preparation for Students

A Clovis child hurries to school wearing a suit and tie and a brand-new haircut, excited to begin the day. Sporting an attitude that screams "success", he is ready to sit down, pencil in hand, and begin STAR testing. His character counts!

This can-do attitude will be fostered in students throughout Clovis schools by teachers and administrators determined to help their students prepare fully for the upcoming Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) process.

Each spring, all California students in grades two through eleven must take a series of tests that comprise the STAR program, which is designed to demonstrate the mastery of students' standards in English/language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. This year's testing window runs from April 16 - May 16.

The slogan for this year's STAR testing at Temperance-Kutner Elementary School in Clovis is "Aim high- hit your target". Aaron Cook, resource teacher at Temperance-Kutner, said that a rally will be held, complete with archers who will come out and demonstrate their proficency with a bow and arrow. This demonstration will be used as a metaphor to help students aim at their goals and promote mastery in the educational process. The rally will be the final stage in the school's year long preparation for the testing.

"What we've employed at the school is 'Test Our Best,'" said Cook. This motivational strategy has been successfully put into place at Temperance-Kutner for the last two quarterly Language Arts Formative Tests (LAFT) and will continue through the STAR testing. "How do you dress? How do you act?" asked Cook, referring to important events such as weddings, graduations, and funerals. "You dress a certain way for events in our culture," he said. Boys are encouraged to dress in suits and ties and girls are encouraged to wear dresses during the testing process.

The theory behind having the students dress for success is not as much about outward appearances as it is about promoting a successful "I can do this" attitude. "It's about preparing yourself," said Cook. "It's taking those intrinsic values and coming to school with that attitude."

Clovis Elementary School will take a different approach to achieve similar STAR testing results utilizing a puzzle theme as the main focus. "We will be emphasizing that all students, teachers and parents are 'parts' of the bigger puzzle," said Janet Weaver, second grade teacher at Clovis. "It will show that they can help out the school by doing their part, whether they are a below-basic student or an advanced student."

Teachers will hand out puzzle pieces to those working hardest on the test, followed by an Otter Pop to those same children during recess. "We will also be feeding the kids each morning with a granola or cereal bar to help fuel their minds," said Weaver.

Students at Liberty Elementary School in Clovis were involved in a two hour celebration to reward their STAR testing success from last year. Along with food and candy, the kids enjoyed playing in mushball, volleyball and dodgeball tournaments. Denver Stairs, GIS for Liberty, said that a follow-up announcement was made the next day to the students explaining that the reason for having the celebration was because of the students' high testing success the previous year. "We know everyone focused and tried hard last year, and we know you'll do it again this year," he said. "We have a different theme each year. The theme for our school this year is 'Believe, Achieve, Succeed'," Stairs said.

The biggest impact made on the kids, however, are postcards addressed and mailed to each student. Having mail sent directly to them gives them an extra boost of confidence and helps them realize the importance of what is to come. The postcard spells out typical things the kids should do during testing, including getting a good night's sleep and eating properly in the morning. Students will also have either a lightened homework load or no homework during the testing process to help keep them mentally motivated.

At Pinedale Elementary School in Clovis, the theme "Show What You Know" will be implored. "We are having a testing rally which includes, introduces and reviews the STAR test." said Claudia Graves, 4th-6th grade special education teacher at Pinedale. "It will include ideas for the best way to test, role plays and test preparation ideas," she said. On the day of testing, students will also receive free snacks and a special testing pencil as added encouragement to do their best.

A gear up/wind down approach is in the works for Clovis' Nelson Elementary School STAR testing preparation. During a rally, students and teachers will gear up for testing by competing in a "Ready For Testing Relay". Julie Richardson, GIS/Resource teacher for Nelson, explained, "Students and teachers will get dressed in pajamas, dress for success after a good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast, ride their tricycles to school, get to school and in their desks on time and find testing materials in desks." Upon completing the tedious testing process, Richardson said, "Afternoon STAR movies tickets will be given to students who test their best to help them wind down from testing."

The intermediate and high schools will plunge into more aggressive campaigns. Aside from a newsletter article, mailers, phone calls and flyers sent home as an ongoing preparation reminder to parents, the administrators at Alta Sierra Intermediate School will hold STAR motivation lessons with every class and post motivational signs around the campus. Prize drawings for perfect attendance will further encourage students to perform to their highest potential. Alta Sierra boasts a unique approach to the actual testing procedure. "Each teacher on campus including choir, P.E., drama, etc., tests a group of students so that they are in smaller groups," said Dion Varnado, GIS at Alta Sierra.

Clovis East High School's strategy focuses on using social events as a motivator. "The students and teachers will 'goal set' based on previous results and will set realistic goals for improvement on this years STAR test," said Yvonne Zysling, learning director for Clovis East. "Students who complete their goal 'scorecards' will be eligible to enter a drawing for an Ipod give-away!" she exclaimed. The festivities will commence the day before testing begins, with teachers rapping and doing the "STAR Shuffle".

A STAR luncheon will round out the last day of testing including a student car show, music and inflatible activities. "Students are highly encouraged to be in attendance on all four days of STAR testing," said Zysling. "Students with perfect attendance will be entitled to a free picnic lunch," she said.

A recurring silent theme of "Food is Fuel" seems prevalent throughout the Clovis school district. Zysling said, "On testing days, the morning break will be lengthened to allow students additional time to access the snack bar for a snack."

Some final thoughts from Zysling, which can be mirrored throughout the district to help all students strive to "test their best": Get plenty of rest, go to bed on time and eat a good, healthy breakfast during the mornings of testing. Special encouragement for parents that can be applied to both STAR testing and every day school activites: Help your child feel confident about testing, express your confidence in your child's ability to do well and, most importantly, simply ask your child to always do his or her best. These simple, yet effective tips, combined with the planned activities and strategies throughout Clovis Unified, will help students excel in the upcoming Clovis STAR testing program.