Each STAR test has been designed with a particular year level in mind. However, each of the new STAR tests can be used productively with students at two or more year levels. It is important to choose a test that best suits the achievement level of students.
If a test is too easy or too difficult a student’s achievement level cannot be precisely measured. If many students in a class score perfect or near perfect scores there will be a ceiling effect, and likewise if students score very poorly, a floor effect. It is not necessary for all the students in one class to do the same test. All students will be given scale scores, which are directly comparable regardless of the actual STAR test taken.
All tests can be used with all year levels 3 - 9 because results are plotted on a single Star scale.
If in doubt about which test to use, teachers should use the test recommended for the year level of the students (see Table 1) or email our Education Advisors for support: education.adviser@nzcer.org.nz.