2. Based on revisions to the mathematics TEKS, the STAAR mathematics assessments are changing for grades 3–8 in spring 2015 to align with the revised TEKS. – Raw score information provided in spring 2015 – New performance standards approved in summer 2015 – Pass/fail information provided in late summer 2015 – No SSI second or third administration for mathematics

3. Based on revisions to the mathematics TEKS, graphing calculation devices are now required for all students taking the STAAR grade 8 mathematics test. – Required for general STAAR as well as STAAR L and STAAR A – Required for both paper and online administrations – Can be a handheld graphing calculator – Can be a graphing calculator application on a tablet

4. STAAR reference material for paper administrations – Printed in test booklet on perforated pages – May print and distribute (but not required) – If printing, use TEA website STAAR reference material for online administrations – Available in online test through the exhibit window – May print and distribute (but not required) – If printing, use Pearson website

5. Beginning in spring 2015, field-test prompts will no longer be included in operational STAAR assessments. – Students will write two essays on the grades 4 and 7 writing assessments, one on each day. – Students will write one essay on the English I and II assessments. – The grade 7 writing assessment has been restructured to parallel grade 4.

6. The purposes for writing have now been assigned to a particular day for grades 4 and 7. – Grade 4: Personal Narrative on Day 1; Expository on Day 2 – Grade 7: Expository on Day 1; Personal Narrative on Day 2 – Test design schematics for grades 4 and 7 have been revised to reflect this change.