K-8 Star Benchmark Assessment

General Information:

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION AND PURPOSE? Benchmark tests are typically administered periodically throughout the school year (e.g., every few months) to fulfill one or more of the following functions: instructional (to supply teachers with individual student data), predictive (identifying student readiness for success on a later high-stakes test), and/or evaluative (to appraise ongoing educational programs).

The purpose of a benchmark assessment is to:

1. Track student growth relative to expected learning goals.

2. Supply information to design or modify instructional activities (intervention/enrichment).

3. Predict end- of-year/course proficiency.

4. Inform system improvement decisions regarding curriculum intervention, and instruction.

WHEN IS THIS ASSESSMENT ADMINISTERED? Across instructional units/calendar periods (quarter, trimester, semester).

Benchmark Windows:

Beginning of Year: 8/1/25 - 8/22/25

Middle of Year: K-6: 12/1/25 - 12/18/25, JHS: 1/7/26 - 1/23/26

End of Year: 4/27/26 - 5/15/26

K-1 Star Reading/Early Literacy is optional.

Star Math is not required for Kindergarten during Beginning of the Year.

 

WHAT DATA DO THESE ASSESSMENTS PROVIDE? Qualitative and quantitative data to assess student risk levels.

WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF THESE ASSESSMENTS? Renaissance Star Assessments (Early Literacy/Reading & Math) are the current district-mandated benchmarks administered in grades K-8 and SchoolCity Science for grade 5