The State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness, STAAR, is a yearly test that all Texas students take between 3rd and 12th grade. However, understanding the details of each yearly test, how they are administered, and what accommodations are available can be complicated. That is why we want to offer you a quick summary of the STAAR and show you what to expect on the test day.
What is the STAAR Test?
The STAAR was introduced in 2011 to replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). The STAAR is comprised of two main groups of tests: grades 3-8 STAAR tests and End-of-Course assessments (EOC). In addition to these groups, the STAAR Alternate 2, Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS), and TELPAS Alternate also exist for specific subsets of students. The details of all of these tests and programs will be outlined below
Which Test Should My Children Take?
Most students will take the yearly STAAR test from 3rd to 8th grade. These students are tested annually in Reading Language Arts and Mathematics. Additionally, in 5th and 8th grades the STAAR contains a Science test and in 8th grade the STAAR also contains a Social Studies test.
From 9th grade onwards, STAAR tests take the form of an EOC assessment for certain courses. The courses tested in this manner are as follows:
- English I
- English II
- Biology
- U.S. History
- Algebra I
These tests comprise the common experience of the STAAR system for most students.
In addition to this program, students identified as emergent bilingual (EB) who are learning the English language will also take part in TELPAS. Under this system, EB students are assessed annually in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing from Kindergarten onwards until they are reclassified as no longer EB.
Finally, students who have been identified with the most significant cognitive disabilities will take part in an alternate program of assessment. Students that fall into this category will take the STAAR Alternate 2 tests. This is a parallel program to the STAAR tests that allows for extra accommodations for students and takes their cognitive disabilities into consideration. Students with severe cognitive disabilities that are also EB will also participate in TELPAS alternate.
Why are the STAAR Tests Important?
Aside from a system of state testing being mandated by the Federal government under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), STAAR tests are important to students, families, teachers, and school administrators.
For students, the STAAR tests provide a tangible goal to work toward each year and they prepare them for future evaluation systems they may face, such as in college or university.
For parents, STAAR tests provide valuable insights into how their children are progressing on their academic journey. This can help parents to plan for the future and make informed decisions for their children.
For teachers, STAAR tests provide feedback on student progress. This feedback can be used to identify students in need of additional support and also identify gaps in instruction and instruction methods.
Finally, for administrators, STAAR tests produce the data required to ensure that effective educational programs are in place at the school, district, and state levels.
How does STAAR Testing Work?
STAAR tests in grades 3-8 take place the Spring each year, while EOC tests occur throughout the year upon the completion of the relevant course. These tests take place in the classroom and maybe be done either on paper or online.
STAAR Alternate 2, TELPAS, and TELPAS Alternate tests all take place in the Spring, typically prior to the STAAR tests. They are generally administered online.
Makeup sessions for all of these tests exist and they typically occur at the end of the testing window for the relevant test. The full 2023-2024 testing calendar can be downloaded here.
How can I Prepare My Children for the CAASPP?
The Texas Education Agency offers several practice tests to help children and parents get familiar with the test. They also offer a tool to find books suitable for a students reading level. However, the best way to make sure children are ready for the test is by checking how they perform during their formative tests and addressing gaps on time.
If your child is not performing well in his or her formative tests, talk with the school and ask them about extra resources that the teacher or yourself could use to improve their grades. Another option is to hire a private tutor that could work individually with your kids to help them catch up with their concepts in school and prepare for the test. SchoolTutoring.com offers one-on-one tutoring that can help your kids perform well in the STAAR tests and even better do better in school. Check our program for Texas Students and learn more about our programs and prices.
