Back-to-School Planning Guide
for Principals and Administrators 2022–2023
As you begin to plan for the next academic year, you'll want to incorporate the best practices and lessons from the previous school year that promote and prioritise student reading comprehension success.
To assist you during this planning process, we’ve compiled a list of our best resources and recommended solutions.
Establish an Academic Baseline and Provide Targeted Intervention
Students will begin the new school year with larger gaps in learning and a greater variety of needs than most educators have previously had to navigate in their teaching careers. Assessments that evaluate each student’s starting points, strengths and weaknesses are essential for learning. Fortunately, CARS & STARS Online is there to help.
The adaptive and repetitive Placement Test is used to determine each student's general comprehension level to place them in the appropriate reading level for their ability.
The research-based CARS (Comprehensive Assessment of Reading Strategies) module works to understand each student's specific comprehension skill gaps, regardless of year level, and then the research-based STARS (Strategies to Achieve Reading Success) module meets students at their point of need with recommended exercises to remediate these areas. Teachers can also lead explicit instruction using the STARS interactive teaching guides found in their teacher portal.
Focus on Reading Foundations
It’s well known that a strong foundation in literacy is key to future academic success in any subject. The FOCUS Reading module is designed to provide both reinforcement in the key reading strategies for on-level readers, and targeted intervention for struggling readers and English-language learners (ELL). Using FOCUS Reading on top of CARS & STARS ensures students are on track to become successful and lifelong readers.
Identify Essential, Year-Level Appropriate Reading Strategies and Skills
After another year of disrupted summative testing, make sure you have the right tools to ensure students continue to achieve year-level mastery. CARS & STARS Online provides formative assessments and meaningful practice to build proficiency with embedded high-stakes test preparation that is broadly aligned with the Australian National Curriculum for years F–9.
Automatic Marking
Focus on the things that really matter. CARS & STARS Online marks your students’ work for you, giving instant feedback and requiring no transfer or handover process.
Nurture the limitless potential of your students with your newfound spare time instead of marking ticks and crosses all day. The presence of useful data is important in pinpointing the best way to help students achieve. Our reports are detailed, yet simple and understandable, so that any areas of concern can be acknowledged directly and not hidden behind a tiring string of numbers. Students can also work online from anywhere, as can their teachers.
Support to Help You Achieve Real Learning Growth
Our Professional Development team includes education specialists and former teachers to help you get the most out of CARS & STARS Online. Virtual sessions and online resources are designed to grow with your implementation.
Our Client Success team is invested in your achievement. They’ll prove it to you by getting ahead of any issues, promptly addressing your concerns and delivering clear, expert answers to your questions.
Acclaim from Our Valued Educators
Are you looking for online programs that will assist your school in improving reading comprehension outcomes for all students? Then check out Hawker Brownlow Digital's suite of research-driven, data-based solutions to see why schools across Australia and New Zealand are proud to work with us.
