Students in all four elementary schools complete in STAR Early Literacy (Grades K and 1) and STAR Reading (Grades 2 through 5) assessments three times throughout the months the Clay Afterschool Program is in session.

The STAR assessments are computer-adaptive tests, which progress in difficulty based upon students’ responses to questions and typically can be completed in 10-20 minutes.  The resulting reports from the assessments provide information that can help teachers understand where students may need additional support.

The STAR Early Literacy for Kindergarten and first grade students focuses on the five essential components of reading:  phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, while the STAR Reading assessment for Grades 2-5 assesses vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension skills in five broad domains: word knowledge and skills; comprehension strategies and constructing meaning; analyzing literary text; understanding author’s craft; and analyzing argument and evaluating text.

To date, students at each of the elementary schools have completed two of these assessments, with a third planned for near the end of the afterschool program.

At Big Otter Elementary, 80 percent of Kindergarten and first grade students and 57 percent of students in grades 2-5 saw growth between the first and the second SEL Assessment.

At Clay Elementary, 100 percent of Kindergarten and first grade students and 66 percent of students in grades 2-5 saw growth between the first and the second SEL Assessment.

At H.E. White Elementary, 100 percent of Kindergarten and first grade students and 77 percent of students in grades 2-5 saw growth between the first and the second SEL Assessment.

At Lizemore Elementary, 85 percent of Kindergarten and first grade students and 79 percent of students in grades 2-5 saw growth between the first and the second SEL Assessment.

Our schools are finding a variety of ways to incorporate reading and math skills into the afterschool programs.