1. State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness

2. What is STAAR?
The State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) is a more rigorous
standardized testing program that replaced the Texas Assessment of Knowledge
and Skills (TAKS) for elementary, middle school and high school students.

3. How is the STAAR different from TAKS?
For all students in grades 3 through 12, the new STAAR program emphasizes “readiness” standards, which are the knowledge and skills that are considered most important for future success in the next grade or subject area and for college or career.
Key Points for all students grade 3 – 12 include:
★ Increases in test difficulty with a focus on college/career readiness
★ Increases in the number of test items
★ Imposes a new, four-hour time limit on tests
★ Increases the number of open-ended questions on math and science
assessments
★ In grades 3-8, tests are in the same grades and subjects as TAKS
★ In 4th and 7th grades writing, one essay is required
★ In English l and II, one essay is required

4. Who will take the STAAR End-of-Course Exam and how will it
be counted for graduation?
★ Students entering the ninth grade in (the graduating class of 2015) and beyond, must meet STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) requirements in order to graduate.
★ With the new STAAR program, the four TAKS Exit-Level tests will be replaced with five end-of-course (EOC) assessments.
★ All students will take the STAAR/EOC as they complete the corresponding course.
★ A student who receives special education services will take STAAR/EOC
Courses requiring EOC exams
Math
English/
Language Arts - 2 Tests
Science
Social Studies
Algebra I
English I
Biology
U.S. History
English II

5. Additional Requirements for EOC Assessments
Any student in the school year and beyond who is enrolled in a high school course that has a related EOC assessment is required to test, including students who are earning credit through:
★ 8th graders taking Algebra I
★ AP/IB courses
★ Correspondence courses
★ Credit by exam
★ Dual credit courses

6. What do you need to graduate?
Approaches Grade Level Performance on STAAR & STAAR EOC assessments will be considered passing.
Did Not Meet Grade Level
Approaches Grade Level (Passing)
Meets Grade Level
Masters Grade Level
No basic understanding of course expectations is shown; student may need significant support next year.
Some knowledge of course content but may be missing critical elements; student needs additional support.
Strong knowledge of course content; student is prepared to progress to the next grade.
Mastery of the course knowledge and skills is shown; student is on track for college and/or career.

7. Where can I go to get additional information on STAAR?