HomeBRIDGE 2024-2025 Vol. 8

You may remember your student taking the AK STAR summative assessment last spring. The Alaska System of Academic Readiness (AK STAR) is Alaska’s state assessment for English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. In spring of 2024, AK STAR was administered to students in grades three to nine. AK STAR provides an opportunity for students to show what they know and can do related to Alaska’s ELA and mathematics standards, which were adopted in June 2012. For the second year, AK STAR also included a growth component, similar to the MAP Growth interim assessments many districts administer in fall and winter. This growth component provided a RIT score and growth percentiles. This approach allows a student to take just one test but receive both a RIT score and a summative score.

AK STAR results are a necessary component of making data-informed decisions for students, families, teachers, administrators, district leadership, and policy makers:

• For our students and families, assessment results can help determine strengths and challenges, and how to utilize both to continue academic growth.
• For our teachers and school administrators, assessment results can help evaluate progress, find areas for improvement, and focus on what students need most.
• For our policymakers and district leadership, assessment results can ensure resources are allocated to the most vital areas of need.

The student results from these tests are now available. We can help you understand the report if you have questions. In addition, the Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) has published a Family Guide for your use. The Guide can be found on DEED’s assessment webpage: education.alaska.gov/assessments.

At HomeBRIDGE we will have documented the results in your child's cumulative folder per district policy. Should you like to receive a copy or to discuss the results, please email me at corey.weiss@juneauschools.org or contact Teresa at homebridge@juneauschools.org.

Thank you for all your support!

HomeBRIDGE are invited to attend ANY session. Students attending Session 1 or 2 must register in the office and check in with a staff member at the fair. The ONLY session parents are invited to is the last session that starts at 4:30.

A student may attend one of the daily sessions and then return with their parents to the 4:30 session.

Quarterly Progress Reports for 1st quarter are due the week of October 14. Adam will holding a recorded virtual meeting about how to submit Progress Reports and one in person workshop to guide you through the process.

Here is a rough outline of what to expect during the meeting.

• Introduction
• Logging in as a Parent on Brightways.
• Progress Reporting - What and how to report on.
• Q & A Session

Google Meet Link

The recording will be posted in Brightways under Resources the following day.

The In-Person Workshop will take place on Wednesday, October 9 at 6pm-7pm in the HomeBRIDGE Office at TMMS. Please note this is a change from previous communication so as not to compete with the JSD College and Career Fair taking place on Monday, October 7.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students.

Do I have to go into the military if I take this test?
No. Some students may be exploring this option, and others may not. Either way, this test will give you helpful feedback about the types of jobs that may be suitable for you.

Open to JSD students in grades 10-12
Friday, October 18: Test sign-up deadline

Tuesday, October 22: Test at 9:30 until about 11:00 am in 121
Interpretation at lunch

Sign up HERE.