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Cst test prep night 1
- 1. CALIFORNIA STANDARDS TEST Tips and Techniques
- 2. What is theCST??? 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.
- 3. WHAT IS THECST USED FOR? It is designed to help teachers and administrators determine areas of academic strength and areas to improve upon.
- 4. Test Performance Advanced —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.
- 5. SLOW DOWN! Don’t rush. CST tests are NOT timed. There is no reward for finishing first and no penalty for finishing last.
- 6. How to MarkYour Answer Sheet Fill in the bubbles completely Erase any changed answers completely
- 7. General Tips • Double-checkthe 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.
- 8. Math Tips Clue Words Subtraction Addition • difference • sum • how much • total more • in all • perimeter • exceed
- 9. Math Tips Clue Words Division Multiplicati on • share • product • distribute • total • quotient • area • average • times
- 10. Steps to Solvea 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.
- 11. English Exam Tips 1) When given a passage to read and questions to answer after, scan the questions before you read the text.
- 12. 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: Mood Exercise and movement Hydration level Nutrition Sleep Stress Excerpted from: http://www.palmbeachschools.org/settingthestage/BrainResearch.asp
- 13. S H IF T YOUR PERSPECTIVE I collected a point there, and there and there! I know I got that wrong! ☺ ☹
- 14. Tip #1 Treat yourbody well! Get a good night’s sleep. Eat a breakfast with protein and slow burning carbohydrates. Relax and believe in yourself.
- 15. Tip #2 Ifafter you’ve used all of your resources you still don’t know the answer ….guess!!
- 16.
- 17. Tip #4 Iftime 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.
- 18. Practice Questions Released TestQuestion STAR Sample Questions with Standards CA State Standards
- 19. The most effective performancehappens when we create a profoundly optimistic and stress-free testing environment.
Editor's Notes
- #3 STAR= standardized testing and reporting
- #5 The goal in California is to have all students perform at the proficient or advanced level.
- #13 This interconnectedness between the brain and the central nervous system with the rest of the human physiology means that many factors influence how well we think. These factors include:
- #15 NutritionCarbohydrates/NO!Research suggests that eating a high carbohydrate meal, such as pasta, sandwiches or sugary snacks can create a sugar crash in your brain. When more carbohydrates than needed are consumed, the result is a short-term sugar “high.” Afterward, the body’s insulin will begin moving sugar into fat cells and increase the flow of glucose to the brain, creating drowsiness and making it difficult to concentrate on important tasks.Proteins/YES!To remain focused and energized, research suggests the consumption of proteins. Protein stimulates the release of glucagon, which instructs fat cells to release stored energy and give the brain a smooth flow of fuel for peak levels of attention. It also releases tyrosine and, subsequently, dopamine, which drive good feelings and sharp attention in the neurocognitive system.
- #20 Stress manifests itself in different ways. Some students experience mainly physical symptoms,such as headaches, nausea, faintness, or feeling too hot/too cold. Others experience moreemotional symptoms, such as crying easily, feeling irritable, or getting frustrated quickly. The major problem of test anxiety is its negative effect on thinking ability.