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STAR Program |
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
The STAR program stands for Strategic Teaching for Academic Reinforcement. It is a regular education support program. Our name represents how we teach for strategies (how to do something) not just memorization. STAR should not be confused with SPED. SPED services children with documented learning disabilities and SPED students are required to have an IEP (Individual Education Plan). The STAR and SPED programs are not connected and are funded separately. How is the STAR program funded? Title 1, a federal entitlement program, funds the STAR program in Maynard. We offer a comprehensive support program in literacy in grades 1 grade 3. We also offer a math support program for grades 2 and through 3. Federal moneys are determined and allocated on a yearly basis. What does STAR support involve? Green Meadow is committed to early literacy and math intervention and we support this goal. STAR support involves teaching reading by matching a student with a specific intervention program that will address the areas in which that student struggles. STAR support also involves teaching basic math skills by reinforcing materials covered in the classroom math curriculum. STAR teachers work with students four to five days a week for 30- 40 minutes each day. Parent involvement is a major component of the STAR program. We have meetings and workshops for parents, some of which involve children too. In the Fall, we hold a Parent Information Night for parents to meet the STAR staff and receive information about the program. Throughout the course of the school year we have a variety of evening programs for parents and students. In the past we have had workshops for parents on techniques to use when reading with children, programs to promote reading and Bingo for Books Night. Parents are asked to have their child read aloud to them every night for 10 minutes and look over any homework that they are assigned. Parents are also asked to encourage their child to write a sentence or a paragraph, depending on the grade level, at least two times a week. Parents of STAR math students are asked to review appropriate math facts with their child nightly. What do students do during their STAR class time? STAR support in grades 1 through 3 centers around specific intervention programs designed to support students in areas where assessments have shown they struggle. Some students participate in the Project Read an intensive reading intervention program which is designed to accelerate struggling readers' learning in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and text comprehension. Other students participate in a program called Read Naturally, a strategic intervention program designed to improve vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension. In addition, some students who need extra practice in phonics will work on a computer based program produced by Lexia Learning. STAR math students work on learning basic number facts and to improve speed and accuracy in math calculations. Do STAR students have homework in their STAR classes?
Why was my child recommended for the Title 1/STAR program? Students are recommended for the STAR program based on schoolwide reading assessments, classroom assessments and the observations of the classroom teacher. Students who have scored At Risk or Some Risk on the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) assessment or who are struggling to work at grade level in reading and or math are considered for the Title 1/STAR program. Classroom teachers complete Title I referral forms which are scored according to need and discuss prospective students with the Title 1/STAR tutors. Together they determine which students would most benefit from participating in the Title 1/STAR program. Will my child have to be in STAR all through elementary school? Not necessarily. Many students struggle at various points during their academic career. The purpose of the Title 1/STAR program is to provide extra support to those who are struggling and to help them perform at grade level. Once a child can perform at grade level independently they no longer need the support of the Title 1/STAR program. When that independence is reached the Title 1/STAR teacher will meet with the classroom teacher and suggest that the student be no longer needs to be in the program. Why was my child recommended for STAR in the middle of the year? A student is recommended for the Title 1/STAR program if they are struggling to perform at grade level. Often a child begins a grade and has no problems with the grade level material. As the year progresses and the material becomes more challenging some students find they can not keep up and start falling behind. In other cases a student might be facing difficulties at home that are effecting his/her progress. When a classroom teacher notices a student falling behind they often will recommend them for the STAR program. It does not mean that the student has missed any material by starting the program in the middle of the year. The student will be receiving help with material that they are struggling with at that time. |
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