STAAR Alt 2

STAAR Alt 2 stands for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness Alternate 2. TEA developed the STAAR Alternate 2 assessment to meet the federal requirements mandated under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), a federal education law previously known as No Child Left Behind. TEA designed the STAAR Alternate 2 to assess students in grades 3–8 and high school who have significant cognitive disabilities and are receiving special education services.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) designed the STAAR Alternate 2 to assess students in grades 3–8 and high school who have significant cognitive disabilities and are receiving special education services. The student's Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee determines if the student meets the eligibility criteria set forth by the TEA. Following is the breakdown by grade level and subject.

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. The student's Admission, Review & Dismissal (ARD) Committee

• Algebra I
• Biology
• English I
• English II
• U.S. History

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) identifies three performance categories referred to as Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs). The PLDs provide a snapshot of students’ academic characteristics based on performance on a given STAAR Alternate 2 assessment. They are statements that describe the specific knowledge and skills students typically demonstrate at each performance level.

Does not meet passing standard:

• Level I—Developing Academic Performance

Meets passing standard:

• Level II—Satisfactory Academic Performance
• Level III—Accomplished Academic Performance

For a complete list of PLDs by grade and subject, please click here.