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STAR Assessments shine bright in the classroom.
October 25, 2021

STAR Assessments shine bright in the classroom.

Jennifer Taylor | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Modules Used

  • Star Reading
  • Star Math
  • Star Early Literacy

Overall Satisfaction with Renaissance Star Assessments

We use STAR assessments to determine reading level and growth. STAR assessments are given at the beginning of the school year and then at the end of each quarter to guide instruction and inform decisions concerning RTI and small group formation. STAR also helps pinpoint areas of weakness and skills that are both lacking and mastered, so instruction can be more focused. STAR assessments are used school-wide in our district.
  • Assesses and assigns reading level, factoring in vocabulary, context clues, and reading strategy skills
  • Pinpoints skills areas that are weak, and suggests focus for instruction
  • Identifies skills that have been mastered, or most likely mastered
  • Assigns ATOS independent book ZPD levels
  • STAR test adapts to student performance to zero in on reading level
  • Unified scale across assessment platforms (Early Literacy and Literacy)
  • Some training required to get full benefit of program
  • More information in a "parent format" would be nice
  • Identifies independent reading level
  • Diagnostic reports
  • Identifies skills mastered/struggling
  • Student success with independent readings increased due to identifying student book level ZPD

Do you think Renaissance Star Assessments delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Renaissance Star Assessments's feature set?

Yes

Did Renaissance Star Assessments live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Renaissance Star Assessments go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Renaissance Star Assessments again?

Yes

STAR is well suited to identifying reading strengths and weaknesses. It also is good at providing an accurate independent reading level, using the ATOS system. Screening assessments include a regular literacy test for those reading at a (strong) 1st grade level through the end of 12th grade. For those students who are not strong readers yet, weaker 1st grade readers and younger, and Early Literacy test is available to gauge reading readiness. A new unified scale is used to level students, so no matter which test they take, you can see their reading level. Diagnostic reports also highlight skills likely mastered as well as identifying skills that need to be a focus for instruction. STAR Custom assessments are teacher assigned and assess individual reading skills as needed. STAR CBM assessments are more foundational and are a new addition to the platform. If you already use a phonics/sight word/ORF screening tool, then STAR CBM may not be the most useful to you at this point. As of Spring 2021, CBM data was not included in diagnostic recommendations, but there were plans to incorporate this data in the future.