STAR Student Report

California student testing for the state is called STAR testing. The state and teachers put a lot of stock in these tests. At the beginning of spring Joel's teacher called us into a meeting to talk about how he needs to study and work hard in order to do well on the tests. I have NEVER had a teacher focus so much on this test. Every year my kids follow the rules and go to bed early and get a good breakfast the week of testing but for a teacher to call attention to the test in a private meeting was really kinda scary for us.

Joel buckled down and worked harder in school but we tried not to make that big of a deal on the test as it does not facture into a pass or fail grade and doing your best is all that matters.......Well

I got the test results today in the mail.

Joel scored 410 in English-Language and a 446 in Math which are both in the advanced level and highest bracket for the test scores.....Way to go Joel! He was so excited and wanted to know if on the first day of 5th grade he could go tell (rub in the face of his teacher) his teacher about his grades! He said he knew he was smart and that his teacher was wrong about him. I am glad we did not put extra pressure on Joel about this test. It seems his teacher did enough of that himself.

On the actual breakdown of the test, Joel scored above adverage in all areas.

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Cori's Turn

Cori is another story. She is a self-motivated girl who Hates to make bad grades. She checks her grades online weekly and sometimes daily. She stresses over her tests and still comes out on top. There was a little drama when her test scores came in.

Cori scored 409 in English-Language and 383 in Math. The English score is in the Advanced level and Math is in the Proficient level. With Joel scoring higher and math being her favorite subject you can imagine the crying that followed getting these results.

After a calming pep-talk from myself....all is right in the Barber house again.

I am SO proud of BOTH of my kids and the hard work they havecompleted this year in a new city, new house, new school and new friends!