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PM3 / Final STAR Assessment Time!
- Andrea Alvarez
- May 3
- 4 min read
The PM3 (End-of-Year) STAR assessment window is OPEN, classrooms everywhere are beginning to wrap up a year full of growth, learning, and discovery. Now what?
As you begin testing your VPK students, it’s important to remember something that every experienced teacher knows deep down: Results may surprise you — some scores will go up, and some may go down. It happens!
This final assessment is simply a snapshot of where each child is right now, not a full reflection of everything they’ve learned or the effort you’ve poured into them all year long.
But this is also a powerful moment for reflection.
Are Your Results Showing the Full Picture?
Take a moment to ask yourself: Are your results truly reflecting your students’ potential — or are there gaps in the curriculum support you’re using?
This is not about questioning your teaching. You’ve shown up every day, guided your students, and supported their growth. But sometimes, even the most dedicated teachers are working with tools that don’t fully support what students need to succeed.
The truth is, many curriculums — even well-known ones — don’t always provide enough depth or consistency in the areas that matter most for kindergarten readiness.
Where Gaps Often Appear
When reviewing your PM3 data, you may notice patterns in key areas such as:
-Early Literacy Skills
Phonological awareness
Letter-sound recognition
Vocabulary development
Comprehension
-Math Skills
Number sense
Counting and one-to-one correspondence
Patterns and sequencing
Problem-solving
If your students are showing inconsistent growth in these areas, it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It may simply mean your curriculum needs to be supplemented with more intentional, targeted instruction.
Understanding Kindergarten Readiness
VPK programs are designed with one major goal in mind: Preparing children for kindergarten success
That means students should leave your classroom with a strong foundation in both literacy and math. When those foundations are not fully developed, it can impact their confidence and performance as they move forward.
This is why your PM3 results matter — not as a judgment, but as a guide.
What Should You Do With Your Results?
Now that you have this data, here’s how you can use it effectively:
1. Review Individual and Class Data
Look beyond the scores and identify patterns. Are multiple students struggling with the same skills? Are there areas where growth was stronger?
2. Identify Skill Gaps
Pinpoint exactly where students need more support — especially in literacy and math.
3. Prepare for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Use your data to guide meaningful conversations with families. Share both strengths and areas for growth, and provide clear next steps.
4. Celebrate Progress
Every bit of growth matters. Recognize and celebrate how far your students have come.
The Power of Communication
Parent-teacher conferences during this time are incredibly important. Families rely on your insight to understand their child’s progress and how they can help at home.
When you approach these conversations with clarity and confidence, you empower families to become partners in their child’s learning journey.
Looking Ahead to Next School Year
As this school year comes to a close, it’s also the perfect time to start thinking ahead.
Ask yourself:
-What can I do differently next year to feel more confident in my students’ results?
-How can I ensure my instruction is fully aligned with what students need to succeed on assessments like STAR?
-What tools will help me provide consistent, intentional support in literacy and math every single day?
The reality is, many teachers find themselves in the same cycle each year — hoping for stronger results but using the same tools that may not fully support their goals.
Be Ready for Next Year — Not Surprised!
Imagine starting the next school year feeling prepared, confident, and equipped with resources that truly support your students’ growth.
Imagine seeing consistent progress throughout the year — not just hoping for it at the end.
Imagine reviewing your PM3 results next year and feeling proud, not uncertain.
That’s possible when you have the right support in place.
Strengthen Your Curriculum — Don’t Replace It!
You don’t need to throw everything out and start over. What you need is a way to enhance and strengthen what you’re already doing, especially in the areas that matter most.
That’s exactly why I created my VPK curriculum resources — to help teachers like you:
✔ Build strong literacy foundations from the beginning
✔ Provide consistent, engaging math instruction
✔ Align daily lessons with assessment expectations
✔ Support all learners with clear, structured activities
Get Ready Now!
Don’t wait until next year’s PM3 results to wish things were different.
Take the step now to prepare your classroom for success:
Explore resources designed specifically for VPK teachers:
Start planning for stronger outcomes today!
You’ve worked hard all year. Your dedication matters. Your impact matters.
Now it’s time to make sure your tools match your effort — so next year, your results reflect the true potential of your students.
Be ready. Be prepared. And most importantly — don’t settle for the same results!
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