STAAR is the state’s testing program and is based on state curriculum standards in core subjects including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
It is not high-stakes testing. While other states may have high-stakes testing, recent changes in Texas law have eliminated student-level promotion consequences associated with STAAR. Instead, STAAR is used to help identify ways to support a student academically.
STAAR tests show whether a student has mastered specific knowledge of a core subject at a certain grade level. Test results should provide parents assurance that their child is prepared to enter the next grade level within their school district or any Texas district. Finally, the results provide educators and administrators with uniform information about where to focus resources – especially in the core subjects being taught.
All public school students in Texas, grades 3–12, take STAAR tests online.
3rd & 4th Grades: RLA (reading/language arts) and Math
5th Grade: RLA (reading/language arts), Math, and Science
3rd Grade
RLA: 41 questions
Math: 30 questions
4th Grade
RLA: 41 questions
Math: 32 questions
5th Grade
RLA: 41 questions
Math: 34 questions
Science: 32 questions
There will be 10-11 reading passages on the RLA STAAR test. Passages will be a combination of literary (fiction, poetry, literary nonfiction, drama, or poetry) and non-literary (informational, correspondence, arguementative, or persausive).
5th Grade ONLY
The Science STAAR test includes topics taught from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. An understanding of the science vocabulary is extremely important for student success.
Standards Assessed
April 24th : 4th & 5th Grade Reading/Language Arts STAAR
April 25th : 3rd Grade Reading/Language Arts STAAR
April 26th : 5th Grade Science STAAR
May 2nd : 4th & 5th Grade Math STAAR
May 3rd : 3rd Grade Math STAAR
Testing begins first thing in the morning, after students have settled in for the day. Each test typically takes a couple of hours, but students will have the entire day to complete their test if need be. Students will still have a break for lunch, but their schedules typically are adjusted on testing days. Specific grade level schedule changes will be shared by your child's teacher.
Since a portion of the test is open ended this year those questions will need to be scored in person. This will result in test results not being released to families until August.