What does STAAR stand for?

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) is the testing program for students in Texas public schools. The assessments are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the state-mandated curriculum.

Is STAAR only in Texas?

What is STAAR? STAAR stands for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, which is the state's student testing program. The assessments are based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, which are the state curriculum standards.

What is the purpose of STAAR test?

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR^®) is a standardized academic achievement test designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to apply the defined knowledge and skills in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) at each tested grade, subject, and course.

What does the acronym STAAR stand for?

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, commonly referred to as its acronym STAAR (/stɑːr/ STAR), is a series of standardized tests used in Texas public primary and secondary schools to assess a student's achievements and knowledge learned in the grade level.

What grades are STAAR tested?

Texas public school students take the STAAR tests in grades 3-8 and high school. STAAR tests are aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) learning standards. These Texas state standards define what Texas students should learn in every grade.

Changes to know for 2023 STAAR testing

Is the STAAR test hard?

State-ordered study finds STAAR not too hard for young readers. Questions about the reading and writing tests arose after some education advocates pointed to studies showing passages were written above elementary and middle schoolers' grade levels.

Is the STAAR test an IQ test?

No, STAAR Tests Do Not Measure A Student's Intelligence The Way They Should.

Do STAAR tests matter?

What STAAR tests are required for high school graduation? In general, students must pass (Approaches Grade Level) five STAAR EOC assessments— Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History—to earn a high school diploma from a Texas public or charter school as required in TEC §39.025.

What happens if you fail the STAAR test?

Students who fail are required by the state to be provided with accelerated instruction, which usually occurs during the summer. They will have to retake the test, but they will not have to retake the course before retaking the test.

Do colleges care about STAAR tests?

Well, yes and no. It depends on your goals. If your desired outcome is for your child simply to attend college, then your child is on the right track. If, however, you have more ambitious goals for your child, such as an elite college or a UC school, you'll need to give further consideration to the STAR test results.

Can you refuse to take the STAAR test in Texas?

Yes. Students are encouraged to do their best on a testing day but are not required to complete the test. All eligible students present at school on a test date must be included in the test administration.

What subjects are on the STAAR?

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. When? Grades 3–8 STAAR tests are given in the spring. End-of-course assessments (EOC) are given throughout the year.

Can parents refuse STAAR test in Texas?

Editor's note: This is part of an occasional series exploring the STAAR test and its impact on Texas education. Parents who do not want their children to take the test may opt to keep them home. According to the Texas Education Agency, no law specifically allows parents to keep children from testing.

What states don't take the STAAR test?

Nebraska is the only state that does not have a standardized test.

What happens if you fail STAAR test 2024?

If your child doesn't fare well on the STAAR Assessment, fear not. The school district steps in with accelerated instruction to help them catch up. Failing twice prompts the Grade Placement Committee (GPC) to tailor instruction to the student's needs. However, a third failure may impede promotion to the next grade.

Can you graduate high school if you fail STAAR test?

Do you really have to pass STAAR to graduate? The answer is no. Now, let's be clear. Passing all five EOC assessments is one way a student can meet the requirements for graduation from a public high school.

How many kids fail the STAAR test?

Elementary and middle-school students across Texas are preparing to take state exams in early May, which will mark their progress after a tough two years of COVID-19 disruptions. Last year's STAAR results detailed significant learning loss, with roughly 37% of students failing math tests and 33% failing reading exams.

How many people have failed the STAAR test?

Texas students performed significantly worse on state-administered standardized tests in 2021, according to the Texas Education Agency. Four out of 10 students who took the annual STAAR failed the math exam. Emily Donaldson is an education reporter for The Dallas Morning News Education Lab.

Why are people against STAAR?

STAAR tests are disproportionately damaging to Black and Brown children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. In the past, STAAR test scores have been used to shut down schools in Black and Brown communities.

Is STAAR really necessary?

STAAR's stated purpose is to hold students to a higher level of accountabilities and set the standard for what is expected from teachers, schools, and districts. In practice, what it's used for is punishment. There is no evidence that STAAR data is being used to make any curriculum changes whatsoever.

Can you take the STAAR test at home?

STAAR tests are available via an online platform that enables students to utilize embedded supports as required for student success.

How long does the STAAR test take?

The STAAR English I and English II assessments have a five-hour time limit. All other STAAR assessments have a four-hour time limit. Students must complete the test within the same school day.

Do homeschoolers have to take the STAAR test in Texas?

It is state mandated, which means if a public school is to receive funds in the state of Texas, they must give this test and your child is not allowed to opt out of them. Private schools, charter schools and homeschooling students are not required to take it.

What happens if my child doesn't pass the STAAR test?

If a student fails the Reading and/or Math STAAR Tests, s/he given two additional opportunities to pass and be promoted to the next year's grade. Districts may decide to give students an alternative assessment on the third try. Students cannot be promoted to the next grade without passing the alternative assessment.