STAAR
State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness
What is the STAAR test?
STAAR stands for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. In 2009, the 81st Texas Legislature passed House Bill 3, which required the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to increase the rigor of state assessments so that performance standards would clearly indicate students’ college readiness. This assessment is a standardized test in Texas which assesses a student’s achievements and knowledge learned in the grade level as defined in the state-mandated curriculum standards known as the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) and emphasizes the skills that are needed to be successful in the next grade level or course.
Who takes the STAAR test?
STAAR Grades 3-8
- Grade 3: Math & Reading
- Grade 4: Math, Reading & Writing
- Grade 5: Math, Reading & Science
- Grade 6: Math & Reading
- Grade 7: Math, Reading & Writing
- Grade 8: Math, Reading, Science & Social Studies
STAAR EOC--students take the EOC in the course they are enrolled in or if the passing standard has not yet been met.
- Algebra I
- Biology
- English I
- English II
- U.S. History
What scores are needed to pass STAAR exams?
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) identifies four performance categories:
- Did Not Meet Grade Level- Performance at this level indicates that a student shows a lack of understanding of course content, and needs significant support during the following school year.
- Approaches Grade Level – Performance at this level indicates that a student shows some knowledge of course content, but may need additional support during the following school year.
- Meets Grade Level – Performance at this level indicates that a student shows strong knowledge of course content and is prepared to progress to the next grade level.
- Masters Grade Level – Performance at this level indicates that a student shows mastery of the course content and is on track for college/career readiness.
