S.T.A.R.Success Through Arithmetic and Reading

S.T.A.R. is Title I funded program designed to remediate students in the areas of reading and mathematics.

Mission

The Success Through Arithmetic and Reading (S.T.A.R.) program’s role is to increase the knowledge base and confidence level of 7th and 8th grade students in the area of arithmetic and reading through rigorous and engaging lessons utilizing current technologies and collaboration.

S.T.A.R.Success Through Arithmetic and Reading

Implementation

October-December: Teachers and Parents Conference about Specific Needs related to the Student’s Academic Progress-A S.T.A.R. Application is completed for students who are identified as needing assistance in Reading and/or Math.

January-April: Students who completed the S.T.A.R. Application are invited to attend Saturday School Sessions related to increasing the knowledge and skills related to Reading and/or Math. These sessions are taught by highly-qualified Reading and Math teachers from YMS and incorporate small group and individualized instruction utilizing sound teaching practices and technology.

April: Students complete the administration of the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT)

STAR Student Survey2012-2013

Student Survey conducted Saturday, March 23, 2013 and

Saturday, April 13, 2013.

A total of 37 students completed the survey.

S.T.A.R.Success Through Arithmetic and Reading

Student Feedback

In order to continually improve the implementation of knowledge and skills related to S.T.A.R., we utilize student input and feedback on an annual basis.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

Only 46% of students surveyed like the idea of having STAR after school.

Strongly Agree22%

Agree24%Disagree

24%

Strongly Disagree30%

It is better to attend STAR after school as opposed to attending on a Saturday.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 73% of students surveyed like the idea of having STAR on Saturday.

Strongly Agree49%

Agree24%

Disagree5%

Strongly Disagree22%

It is better to attend STAR on Saturday as opposed to staying after school.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

Only 35% of students surveyed like the idea of having 7 Saturdays in a row.

Strongly Agree19%

Agree16%

Disagree30%

Strongly Disagree35%

I would rather have STAR 7 Saturdays in a row, instead of spreading them out over three months.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 81% of students surveyed like the idea of having STAR spread out over several months.

Strongly Agree38%

Agree43%

Disagree16%

Strongly Disagree3%

Having STAR 3 times in January, 3 times in March, and 1 time in April is a good schedule.

S.T.A.R.Success Through Arithmetic and Reading

Goals

Each year, we review specific goals related to S.T.A.R. Establishing consistent student attendance is paramount to reaching our success.

Therefore, we worked with Communities In Schools (CIS) last year to create an incentive program based on student attendance in S.T.A.R.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 78% of students surveyed felt the Gift Card Raffle encouraged them to attend STAR.

Strongly Agree50%

Agree28%

Disagree19%

Strongly Disagree3%

Having a raffle for $10.00 and $75.00 Gift Cards encouraged me to attend STAR.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 86% of students surveyed would like to see Beats (or like items) raffled.

Strongly Agree67%

Agree19%

Disagree11%

Strongly Disagree3%

Having a raffle for items such as a pair of Beats Headphones would encourage me to attend STAR.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 97% of students surveyed feel offering coupons, passes and raffle tickets during class helped to keep them focused.

Strongly Agree66%

Agree31%

Disagree3%

Earning rewards (food coupons, skating passes, raffle tickets) encourages me to stay focused during STAR.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 89% of students surveyed like the idea of a warm breakfast to begin STAR.

Strongly Agree58%

Agree31%

Disagree11%

Offering a warm breakfast such as pancakes and/or biscuits encourages me to attend STAR.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 75% of students surveyed like the idea of a having cereal bars, etc. for snack.

Strongly Agree31%

Agree44%

Disagree25%

Offering a snack like cereal bars, crackers, and juice encourages me to attend STAR.

S.T.A.R.Success Through Arithmetic and Reading

Goal Results:

The result of our 1st year of attendance initiatives yielded a result of 6 additional students attending S.T.A.R. each Saturday from the previous year.

S.T.A.R.Success Through Arithmetic and Reading

Direction for the Future

What would our S.T.A.R. students like to see included on Saturdays?

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 78% of students surveyed want help with homework, missing work, and school work.

Strongly Agree42%

Agree36%

Disagree17%

Strongly Disagree6%

I would like to receive more help with homework, missing work, and/or school work as part of STAR.

S.T.A.R.Success Through Arithmetic and Reading

Success

How successful do the students feel the S.T.A.R. program is?

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 73% of students surveyed feel stronger in Reading as a result of STAR.

Strongly Agree

14%

Agree60%

Disagree27%

I feel STAR helped me in the area of Reading.

Strongly Agree41%

Agree54%

Disagree5%

I feel STAR helped me in the area of Mathematics.I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 95% of students surveyed feel stronger in Math as a result of STAR.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 89% of students surveyed feel more confident about taking the CRCT.

Strongly Agree46%

Agree43%

Disagree8%

Strongly Disagree3%

I feel more confident about taking the CRCT because of the lessons I learned in STAR.

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 84% of students surveyed feel more confident about school.

Strongly Agree41%

Agree44%

Disagree14%

Strongly Disagree2%

I feel more confident about school because of the lessons I learned in STAR.

S.T.A.R.Success Through Arithmetic and Reading

The Best Compliment a S.T.A.R. student could offer…

I would like to attend STAR on Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.

A total of 91% of students surveyed would suggest STAR to someone who is looking for help with the CRCT.

Strongly Agree61%

Agree31%

Disagree3%

Strongly Disagree6%

I would recommend STAR to someone who is looking for help with the CRCT.

The S.T.A.R. program is successful each year because of the students, their families, the staff at Youth Middle School, and local sponsors.

Thank you for your time and efforts in helping the students of YMS meet their goals.

Please feel free to contact me at tthrailkill@walton.k12.ga.us if I can ever be of assistance to you.