CALIFORNIA

STANDARDS

TESTTips and Techniques

What is the CST???

The STAR--CST test is based on the California State Standards. It stands for “California Standards Test”

CST tests are intended to assess what the state expects teachers to teach and what students are supposed to learn.

Tests in English and Math are given in grades 2 through 11. Content area tests (e.g. science) are given during specified grades.

WHAT IS THE CST USED FOR?

It is designed to help teachers and administrators determine areas of academic strength and areas to improve upon.

Test PerformanceAdvanced — Superior performance. Students demonstrate a

comprehensive and complex understanding of the knowledge and skills measured by this assessment, at this grade, in this content area.

Proficient — Solid performance. Students demonstrate a competent and adequate understanding of the knowledge and skills measured by this assessment, at this grade, in this content area.

Basic — Limited performance. Students demonstrate a partial and rudimentary understanding of the knowledge and skills measured by this assessment, at this grade, in this content area.

Far Below/Below Basic — Lack of performance. Students demonstrate little or flawed understanding of the knowledge and skills measured by this assessment, at this grade, in this content area.

SLOW DOWN! Don’t rush. CST tests are NOT timed. There is no reward for finishing first and no penalty for finishing last.

How to Mark Your Answer Sheet

Fill in the bubbles completely Erase any changed answers completely

WRONG

RIGHT!

General Tips

•Double-check the test number in your test booklet against the answer sheet every few questions to be sure you are on the right number.

•Answer the question in your head before you read through the answers you can choose from.

•Cross out any answer that you know is wrong.

Math Tips

Subtraction• difference• how much more• exceed

Addition• sum• total• in all• perimeter

Clue Words

Math Tips

Multiplication• product• total• area• times

Division• share• distribute• quotient• average

Clue Words

Steps to Solve a Word Problem

1) Read the question twice.2) Circle the active word, (e.g. total, sum,

difference).3) Underline the information they give you.4) Draw a picture, chart or graph.5) Fill in the information provided and put a

question mark for the unknown.6) Solve the problem.7) Assess the answer: Does it make sense?8) Check your answer.

English Exam Tips

1) When given a passage to read and questions to answer after, scan the questions before you read the text.

Maximizing Performance

Research suggests that human beings think, learn and communicate most effectively when the brain and central nervous system are operating at a peak level.  How well we think is influenced by human physiology:

MoodExercise and movementHydration levelNutritionSleepStress

Excerpted from: http://www.palmbeachschools.org/settingthestage/BrainResearch.asp

SHIFT YOUR PERSPECTIVE

I know I got that wrong!

☹

I collected a point there, and there and there!

☺

Treat your body well!Get a good night’s sleep.Eat a breakfast with protein and

slow burning carbohydrates.Relax and believe in yourself.

Tip #1

If after you’ve used all of your resources you still don’t know the answer ….guess!!

Tip #2

JUST BREATHE!

http://www.palmbeachschools.org/settingthestage/StudentAnimation.mov

Tip #3

If time remains, go back through but do not change all your answers. Only change something if you are certain it was wrong.

Remember: Your first guess is usually right.

Tip #4

Practice Questions

Released Test Question

STAR Sample Questions with Standards

CA State Standards

The most effective performance happens

when we create a profoundly optimistic and

stress-free testing environment.

Above all Remember that…