Superintendent recommends phasing out STAR test after finding strong correlation with new SGA assessment

Superintendent Dr. Pohl recommended the district phase out the Renaissance STAR reading assessment and rely on the Scholastic Growth Assessment (SGA) for division-wide interim reading data, citing an observed correlation of about 80% between SGA results and state SOL outcomes. "The correlation with the SGA and the SOL test is about 80%. And my recommendation is that we drop the STAR test this year," Dr. Pohl told the board. He described the change as intended to free instructional time and reduce testing stress for students and teachers. Why it matters: District leaders said SGA administration timing requires schedule changes — the SGA will be administered in October, so reading and math interim reporting will shift later in the fall. Staff also said they will recalibrate board interim measures and forecast monitoring based on SGA trends. Key points from the discussion - Correlation and recommendation: Dr. Pohl said his staff analyzed SGA and SOL correlations and found about an 80% match across grades 3–8 and that the district will phase out STAR for division-wide reporting while allowing individual schools to keep it if they choose. - Timing and data flow: SGA will be administered beginning in October; the district expects to have the SGA-based reading data ready for board reporting in November and December cycle meetings. Dr. Pohl said ARA staff will review three years of SGA history to set reasonable goals and interim targets. - Rationale: Pohl argued the change saves instructional time (removing fall/winter/end-of-year STAR administrations) and reduces testing burden; he said SGA provides the same instructional information and teachers will keep access to other diagnostic tools if they wish. - Board feedback and follow-up: Board members asked about alignment issues, the option for schools to continue STAR independently, and whether SGA correlation holds across all grades. Dr. Pohl said division statistican Greg Williams validated the analysis and staff will continue to support schools choosing to retain STAR for local use. Discussion versus action - Discussion only: Board considered the superintendent’s recommendation and asked questions about alignment and timing; the board did not vote to change policy or testing requirements in this meeting. - Direction/assignment: The superintendent asked ARA staff to produce a three-year SGA trend analysis to inform revised interim goals for board monitoring. Ending The board agreed to receive SGA-based reports as the assessment becomes available; staff will adjust the monitoring calendar to show when SGA results will inform board goal reporting.