Too often standardised tests have been given to students that were not appropriate for their level of ability - either too hard or too easy. It was thought that students in the same year level had to sit the same test but the PATs/STAR/S:TwE were never designed to be used in this way - schools just didn't know what they didn't know.
The PATs/STAR/STwE are assessments for position and progress in the curriculum starting wherever the student's learning level is at (NB: PAT tests are not suitable for Level 1 learners). The items within each test have been designed carefully against a subject scale that aligns with a particular area of the curriculum - that makes sense - but what happens when a child makes less or more than average progress through the curriculum?
You will get the most relevant and accurate curriculum information of what a student knows and doesn't know, when you choose a test that matches the student's ability. If students are at least a curriculum level above or below where they should be, you need to consider differentiating the test for them.
Please click on the document below which will provide you with more information on choosing the appropriate test for your students.