♦ Renaissance Learning Systems Star Assessments^® have become the de facto standard for summer programs. Its adaptive, computer-based design delivers high accuracy in minimum time. Star^® was chosen by PARCA (Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama), who conducts SAIL’s annual assessment.

♦ The SAIL funders obtain a common Star^® license; the assessment is provided to SAIL programs at no cost. SAIL staff train the programs on proper use of Star^®, transport the students to a testing site if needed, and administer the tests.

• → SAIL programs test students at the beginning of the program (pre-test) to inform instruction and enable individualized learning. Star^® is normed; programs know where entering students stand relative to grade level.
• → SAIL programs test students at the end of the program (post-test) to measure academic progress for each student, and to inform our strategies for improvement next year.
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♦ SAIL was recently recognized for its innovative use of Star^® link