Grade Advancement

Students who wish to "skip" a grade (1st through 8th) at Chaparral Star Academy can do so by earning at least 80% on each (and all) of the four areas (Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies; both semesters if applicable) of a grade level test (aka credit-by-exam). This will demonstrate mastery of those skills, allowing the student to accelerate.

For example, if a student were currently in grade 4 and wishes to skip grade 5, the student would take all necessary grade 5 credit-by-exams in the spring of his/her 4th grade year (or summer before 5th). If he/she earns 80% on each (and all) subject area of the 5th grade test, he/she would return to Star in the fall as a 6th grader.

CSA will not advance a student in a particular subject based on scores (e.g. student is in 5th grade math and 4th grade ELA, Science & Social Studies).

HOW DO PARENTS REGISTER FOR THE TESTS?

The first step is to choose between ordering the respective credit-by-exams (CBE) for acceleration (sometimes listed as EA) from the University of Texas at Austin K-16 Education Center or from Texas Tech UISD. 

 

It is recommended to look at the review guides (The University of Texas at Austin (individual study guides are available) and Texas Tech University ISD (individual review sheets are available)) to help make the decision.

 

From there, parents should follow the instructions on the website for the respective entity (e.g. scroll down to "How to Order" section at University of Texas at Austin K-16 Education Center or scroll down to "Individual Credit By Exams" section at Texas Tech UISD).

 

WHERE DO STUDENTS TAKE THE TESTS?

 

UT-Austin offers at-home proctoring for 3rd - 8th grade & high school skills, while Texas Tech offers at-home proctoring for all grades.

 

If a physical exam is ordered, UT or TTUISD will send the exam to Chaparral Star Academy, where testing will take place. Test dates and times will be individually scheduled based on staff availability and parent request.

 

 

 

HOW DO STUDENTS PREPARE FOR THE TESTS?

Preparation for the exams is the responsibility of the student and parent. CSA teachers should not be expected to provide materials nor consultation for grade advancement. Tests are written by the UT K-16 Education Center or TTUISD, and review sheets are available from them.

The University of Texas at Austin has individual study guides available and Texas Tech University ISD has individual review sheets available.

 

HOW MANY ATTEMPTS DOES A STUDENT HAVE?

Score reports are sent to students, usually after two weeks. Students are only offered two opportunities for grade advancement.

 

IS THERE A DUE DATE?

All grade advancement opportunities need to be completed by July 15th before the year in which the student wishes to “skip.”

 

WORD FROM THE WISE

Historically, students have missed grade advancement solely based on results from the Social Studies assessment. All 4 subject tests do not have to be ordered at the same time. Some parents have opted to order tests one at a time starting with the Social Studies assessment to streamline the process.