STAR Test for Every Grade or Not?

     Imagine the instructional time and money that could be saved if the STAR test was eliminated. This could be the case if the state of California stopped requiring standardized testing at every grade level. Although some people feel the exam should be used every year, I disagree. Standardized testing is not needed every year because it costs lots of money, it takes away instructional time, it may not properly represents the students ability, and the STAR test may discourage students.

     First of all, I believe that requiring every grade to take the STAR test is costly. STAR tests uses lots of paper. If the state make first graders also take the test then that will just ,make things worse! For example, there are millions of first graders in the US. Testing requires millions of sheets of paper to be copied and printed. If each sheet of paper costed 3 cents, it could cost more than $30,000! 
                                                              
     Pursuing this further, STAR testing takes away instructional time. One or two weeks of time are wasted in preparation for the STAR test. Teachers would rather be teaching students advanced material rater than wasting lots of valuable time for testing.   
                                         
     Also, for a first grader the STAR test may not properly represents the students ability. First graders don't have enough discipline or maturity to take tests seriously. They may know the material, but silly mistakes will make them look weak. For example, first graders may pressured and bubble in the answers incorrectly, not reading the passage carefully or showing the work.

     Lastly, if a first grader receives a bad score they may get discouraged. First graders are emotionally inept. When and if they get bad score, they will be discouraged. It will have a negative impact. This could damage their long term likely-hood of success.

      On the other hand, others believe that the STAR test is important to measure a student's ability. This will help to see whether a student is making progress. It will also help make a decision on which class to put students in. I agree with benefits, but I disagree with the measurability. I believe that the STAR test does not represent the true student ability. In fact, students will get discouraged if they receive a bad score. They are too young and will not listen to the feedback they receive.This may affect the student's long term prospects of success. This is why I believe the STAR test is unnecessary. 
                                        
     Overall, I believe that STAR testing should be removed for first and second grade. If the STAR test is required for first graders, then it may not represent the true ability of the student and may even discourage them and hurt their long term outlook.  ???

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