The purpose of this website is to provide information regarding the changes occurring in the Texas mandated assessment process. Various pieces of information have been provided; however, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) continues to refine the new test process. Please go to their website to receive the latest informaion: www.tea.state.tx.us We have included testing calendars, grade level specific information, links and resources along with information regarding testing for special population students.
STAAR testing promises to be more rigorous, present more questions, require a four hour time limit, and include 12 course specific high school end-of-course assessments. Check out the tabs to answer your STAAR testing questions and feel free to contact your campus counselor for information regarding campus testing procedures.
Texas Assessment Program for Spring 2012
| Enrolled Grade | Assessment Program | Subjects Assessed |
Grade 3 (English and Spanish) | STAAR | reading and mathematics |
| Grade 4 (English and Spanish) | STAAR | reading, mathematics, and writing |
| Grade 5 (English and Spanish) | STAAR | reading, mathematics, and science |
| Grade 6 | STAAR | reading and mathematics |
| Grade 7 | STAAR | reading, mathematics, and writing |
| Grade 8* | STAAR | reading, mathematics, science, and social studies |
| Grade 9** | STAAR End-of-Course(EOC) | Algebra I, geometry, Algebra II, biology, chemistry, physics, English I, English II, English III, world geography, world history, and U.S. history |
| Grade 10 | TAKS | English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies |
| Grade 11 | TAKS Exit Level | English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies |
| Grade 12 | TAKS Exit Level Retests | English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies as needed |
| Out-of-School | TAKS Exit Level Retests | English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies as needed |
*If a student enrolled in grade 8 or below is taking a course for which there is a STAAR end-of-course assessment, that student will not be required to take the applicable grade level STAAR assessments. The student takes the applicable EOC assessment.
**If a student is a repeating grade 9 student in 2011-12. TAKS is still the assessment graduation requirement.
The basics
STAAR will be given to students in grades 3-8 and to students taking high school level courses in the four core subject areas of English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. The following chart shows the subjects tested at each grade level.
Testing schedule for 2011-2012 (PDF)
Frequently asked questions
STAAR™ Questions and Answers– Printable Document or Web-based - This document provides answers to common questions about the new testing program. Check back periodically because new information will be added as it becomes available.
Brochures - Brochures, available in English and Spanish, provide basic information for parents about the general testing program and the End of Course assessments.
STAAR comparison chart - The STAAR is available in a variety of formats to serve students who are in the general education program, the special education program or who are English language learners. STAAR comparison chart (PDF)
How will passing standards be set? - From Z to A: Setting the STAAR cut points from end to beginning (PDF)
STAAR vs. TAKS
Differences between STAAR and TAKS - STAAR is a more rigorous testing program. It emphasizes "readiness" standards, which are the knowledge and skills that are considered most important for success in the grade or course subject that follows and for college and career. STAAR will contain more test questions at most grades than did TAKS assessments. The high school assessments will move from grade-based tests to course-based exams. For the first time, the state's assessments will have a time limit. Students will have four hours to complete each exam.
Can we see the test?
STAAR is a secure test, so it is not available for review before it is given. By law, the test will be publicly released every three years. However, the Texas Education Agency has released sample questions, which give the public a sense of what to expect on the new tests. The released sample questions are in the last column of the tables located on the STAAR Resources page.
Changes to the testing program
The Texas student testing program began in 1980 with the first administration of the Texas Assessment of Basic Skills. The testing program has expanded over the years due to federal and state requirements. STAAR represents the fifth generation of the testing program. Each new generation has been more rigorous than the one before it. Sample test questions (PDF, 566 KB) from the various state testing programs illustrate the increasing rigor of the program over the past three decades.
Timelines
Testing calendar - Testing calendars for multiple years are available on the Student Assessment website.
Total number of mandatory testing days - Students will typically spend two to five days out of the 180-day school year taking the STAAR tests. Additional testing days will be available for students who must pass the test to be promoted to the next grade or to graduate from high school.
Additional Resources
STAAR Resources
Student Assessment
Assessment letters to districts
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