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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• What is STAR?

• STudent Achievement in Reading (STAR) is a comprehensive training and professional development package built on evidence-based reading instructional strategies that adult education teachers and administrators can use to increase reading achievement. STAR can help improve reading outcomes among intermediate-level adult learners so that they can succeed in the workplace in their daily lives.

  STAR is not a reading curriculum. It is a reading reform initiative that includes professional development, tools, and resources that will expand participants' knowledge of effective reading instruction and improve their ability to build local and state adult basic education (ABE) systems that support reading improvement.

  Through STAR training and professional development, adult education reading instructors and administrators will:

  • understand the elements of evidence-based reading instruction;
  • identify necessary resources including staff, time, materials, space, and feedback mechanisms; and
  • develop systems and procedures at the classroom, program, and state levels that support the implementation of evidence-based practices and make systemic changes to sustain evidence-based reading instruction.

• What is the research base upon which STAR is built?

• STAR is based on a body of research that is summarized in a report published by the Partnership for Reading entitled, Research-based Principles for Adult Basic Education Reading Instruction written by John Kruidenier. STAR supports evidence-based reading instruction which integrates the research found in the report with practitioner wisdom. STAR also uses the Adult Reading Components (ARCS) to identify learner profiles for intermediate-level readers in ABE programs. To learn more about these reports, visit the Resources section of this Web site.

• I am interested in reading more about STAR. What do you recommend?

• To read more about the STAR research base, or what we know about how to teach reading effectively, please visit the Resources section of this site for links to additional research reports and organizations that are working to improve reading instruction. For STAR implementation information, see the Ready for STAR section for tools and resources that help you consider what you need to do to prepare for STAR implementation.

• Who developed the STAR Tool Kit, training, and technical assistance?

• The STAR Tool Kit was developed by Dr. Mary Beth Curtis. The training components were developed by Dr. Mary Beth Curtis, Laura Bercovitz and Laurie Martin at the Adult Learning Resource Center, and Jane Meyer of Canton City Schools. Jane Meyer also developed the technical assistance components. Kratos Learning Solutions staff developed the online version of the Tool Kit.

• What is State Trainer Certification?

• STAR Trainer Certification was designed to support the long-term sustainability of STAR by giving states the opportunity to develop trainers to help sustain, expand, and ensure the integrity of evidence-based reading instruction. STAR partner states that have completed a full cycle of STAR training and technical assistance have the opportunity to nominate candidates that meet the specified prerequisites to provide STAR training and technical assistance to new and existing programs within their state.

  Accepted candidates will have one year to complete activities designed to acquire the content knowledge and skills necessary to train and provide technical assistance involved in implementing evidence-based reading instruction. All trainers who enter the certification process will have full access to the STAR Training Plans and Technical Assistance Planning guide and may use them to provide training and technical assistance services within their state during the certification process. Participants who are trained during the year-long process will also be given access to the STAR Tool Kit. Please see the Trainer Certification Overview for more information on certification.

• Is this a family literacy effort?

• No, this is a professional development and training initiative for implementing evidence-based reading instruction with intermediate-level adult basic education learners. If you need resources and information on family literacy, we recommend speaking to your state director of adult education or visit the National Center for Family Literacy Web site at famlit.org.

• Can I use STAR in my ESL program?

• The STAR Tool Kit was developed for use with intermediate-level adult learners – adults whose reading scores on the TABE, CASAS, or ABLE fall between the 4th and 8th grade-levels. Some english language learners who enroll in your program may fall in this skill level and could be placed in a STAR class with other intermediate adult readers. Be advised that the Tool Kit was not designed specifically for ESL classes, which have unique instructional requirements. For more information about English Language Learners, visit the National Adult English Language Learning Professional Development Network.

• My ABE program would like to speak to another program about what STAR was like for them, whom can I call?

• The STAR Network staff will put you in touch with teachers and administrators who are eager to share their STAR experiences. Email projectstar@kratoslearning.com to let us know what you would like to learn about STAR.

• What planning tools do you have that I can use to help me make some informed decisions?

• If you are considering STAR, you should contact your state director with any questions or concerns. You may also want to review the issue papers, which explore some of the characteristics of a program that allows for successful implementation, and will provide guidance on what programmatic changes you may want to consider before or during implementation.

• What classes are suitable for STAR instruction?

• Reading the issue papers may be helpful in determining which classes are best suited for STAR. Generally, we have found that leveled classes where enrollment is managed provides an ideal environment for successfully implementing STAR. You may also want to review the guidelines on selecting local program sites in the Ready for STAR section. (See Step 7: Select and prepare your STAR sites.)

• Whom do I contact for STAR training?

• To inquire about participating in STAR training, please contact the STAR Network at 1-866-691-STAR (7827) or projectstar@kratoslearning.com.