1. TEA STUDENT ASSESSMENT UPDATE ON MATHEMATICS
Texas Assessment Conference
December 2010
Julie Guthrie, Director
Larry Duncan, Manager
Mathematics Assessments
Student Assessment Division
Texas Education Agency

2. TAKS to STAAR Plan for phase-out of TAKS and phase-in of STAAR STAAR
2010–2011
2011–2012
2012–2013
2013–2014
2014–2015
2015–2016
GR 3–8
TAKS
STAAR
GR 9
GR 10
GR 11
GR 12 &
Out-of-School
Students
or TAKS
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

3. STAAR New assessment program for Begins in 2011–2012 Grades 3–8
High school
Begins in 2011–2012
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

4. STAAR For grades 3–8, tests are in same grades and subjects as TAKS.
Grades 3–8 mathematics
Grades 3–8 reading
Grades 4 and 7 writing
Grades 5 and 8 science
Grade 8 social studies
For high school, twelve end-of-course tests replace ten grade-level tests.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

5. STAAR STAAR will focus on “clearer, fewer, and deeper”.
Provide a more clearly articulated assessment program
Focus on fewer skills
Address those skills in a deeper manner
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

6. STAAR Development of STAAR
Follows the test development process posted on the TEA student assessment website
Involves educators in focus groups, advisory committees, and item/data reviews
Involves higher-educator faculty for EOC assessments
Includes the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for EOC assessments
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

7. STAAR Development of STAAR
Educator involvement in the test development process is critical to the process.
Highly qualified educators are needed to serve on educator committees.
The Educator Recommendation Form can be found on the TEA student assessment at
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

8. STAAR Educator Advisory Committees
Reviewed TEKS curriculum to determine what can and cannot be assessed
Determined that the majority of the TEKS are eligible for the assessment because they can be tested
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

9. STAAR Educator Advisory Committees
Example of a student expectation that cannot be tested from grade 8
8.11C, select and use different models to simulate an event
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

10. STAAR Educator Advisory Committees
Reviewed eligible TEKS to determine what should be the focus of the assessment; these are called Readiness Standards
Recommended other assessed TEKS as Supporting Standards
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

11. STAAR In general, Readiness Standards
Are essential for success in the current grade or course
Are important for preparedness for the next grade or course
Support college and career readiness
Necessitate in-depth instruction
Address broad and deep ideas
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

12. STAAR Readiness and Supporting Standards
Readiness and Supporting Standards are identified in the assessed curriculum documents.
These documents are posted on the TEA student assessment website at
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

13. STAAR Grade 5 Math Assessment—Eligible TEKS—Reporting Category 3
(5.7) Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student generates geometric definitions using critical attributes. The student is expected to
(A) identify essential attributes including parallel, perpendicular, and congruent parts of two- and three-dimensional geometric figures. Supporting Standard
(5.8) Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student models transformations. The student is expected to
(A) sketch the results of translations, rotations, and reflections on a Quadrant I coordinate grid; and Readiness Standard
(B) identify the transformation that generates one figure from the other when given two congruent figures on a Quadrant I coordinate grid. Supporting Standard
(5.9) Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student recognizes the connection between ordered pairs of numbers and locations of points on a plane. The student is expected to
(A) locate and name points on a coordinate grid using ordered pairs of whole numbers. Supporting Standard
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

14. STAAR Grade 8 Math Assessment—Eligible TEKS—Reporting Category 3
(8.6) Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student uses transformational geometry to develop spatial sense. The student is expected to
(A) generate similar figures using dilations including enlargements and reductions; and Readiness Standard
(B) graph dilations, reflections, and translations on a coordinate plane. Supporting Standard
(8.7) Geometry and spatial reasoning. The student uses geometry to model and describe the physical world. The student is expected to
(A) draw three-dimensional figures from different perspectives; Supporting Standard
(B) use geometric concepts and properties to solve problems in fields such as art and architecture; Supporting Standard
(C) use pictures or models to demonstrate the Pythagorean Theorem; and
Supporting Standard
(D) locate and name points on a coordinate plane using ordered pairs of rational numbers. Supporting Standard
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

15. STAAR Algebra II Assessment—Eligible TEKS—Reporting Category 7
(2A.11) Exponential and logarithmic functions. The student formulates equations and inequalities based on exponential and logarithmic functions, uses a variety of methods to solve them, and analyzes the solutions in terms of the situation. The student is expected to
(A) develop the definition of logarithms by exploring and describing the relationship between exponential functions and their inverses; Readiness Standard
(B) use the parent functions to investigate, describe, and predict the effects of parameter changes on the graphs of exponential and logarithmic functions, describe limitations on the domains and ranges, and examine asymptotic behavior; Supporting Standard
(C) determine the reasonable domain and range values of exponential and logarithmic functions, as well as interpret and determine the reasonableness of solutions to exponential and logarithmic equations and inequalities; Supporting Standard
(D) determine solutions of exponential and logarithmic equations using graphs, tables, and algebraic methods; Supporting Standard
(E) determine solutions of exponential and logarithmic inequalities using graphs and tables; and Supporting Standard
(F) analyze a situation modeled by an exponential function, formulate an equation or inequality, and solve the problem. Readiness Standard
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

16. STAAR Readiness Standards Supporting Standards
Encompass 30–40% of the eligible TEKS
Will make up 60–65% of the assessment
Supporting Standards
Encompass 60–70% of the eligible TEKS
Will make up 35–40% of the assessment
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

17. STAAR
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

18. STAAR Grade 3 Mathematics Blueprint Grade 5 Texas Education Agency
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

19. STAAR Grade 6 Mathematics Blueprint Grade 8 Texas Education Agency
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

20. STAAR Geometry Blueprint Chemistry Texas Education Agency
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

21. STAAR Underlying Processes and Mathematical Tools (Process Skills)
Will be assessed differently
Will be assessed in context, not in isolation
Will be assessed in a more integrated and authentic manner
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

22. STAAR Underlying Processes and Mathematical Tools (Process Skills)
Will not be listed under a separate reporting category
Will be incorporated into at least 75% of the test questions
Will be reported along with the content skills under the other reporting categories
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

23. STAAR
Examples of Underlying Processes and Mathematical Tools (Process Skills)
3.15B, relate informal language to mathematical language and symbols
4.14A, identify the mathematics in everyday situations
7.13B, use a problem-solving model that incorporates understanding the problem, making a plan, carrying out the plan, and evaluating the solution for reasonableness
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

24. STAAR Griddable Questions
A type of open-ended question used for science and mathematics assessments
Purpose is to provide students opportunities to derive answers independently without being influenced by answer choices provided with the questions
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

25. STAAR Grade 3 Math Will have 3 griddable questions
Will use same grid as is currently used on TAKS
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

26. STAAR Grades 4 and 5 Math Will have 3 griddable questions
Will use same grid as is currently used on TAKS
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

27. STAAR Grades 6–8 Math Will have 4 griddable questions
Will use same grid as is currently used on TAKS
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

28. STAAR Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
Will have 5 griddable questions
Will use new grid
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

29. STAAR Griddable Questions for Grades 3–8
Correct answer will be positive number.
Answer grid includes a fixed decimal point with the exception of grade 3.
Students must enter their answer in the correct columns with respect to the fixed decimal point.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

30. STAAR Griddable Questions for Grades 3–8
Students must enter their answer in the boxes and then fill in the corresponding bubbles.
Students do not have to use all the boxes.
Extra zeros may be filled in (either before or after the answer) as long as their placement does not affect the value of the answer.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

31. STAAR Griddable Questions for High School
Correct answer can be positive or negative number.
If answer is negative number, students must enter a negative sign; otherwise answer will default to positive.
Answer grid includes a floating decimal point.
If answer is a decimal number, students must enter a decimal point.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

32. STAAR Griddable Questions for High School
Students must enter their answer in the boxes (paper and online) and then fill in the corresponding bubbles (paper only).
Students do not have to use all the boxes.
Students can place their answer in any set of consecutive boxes.
Extra zeros may be filled in (either before or after the answer) as long as their placement does not affect the value of the answer.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

33. STAAR Resources available Resources still to come
Assessed curriculum
Assessment blueprints
Description of the new assessment model
Comparison between TAKS and STAAR
Resources still to come
Reference material (formulas, conversions)
Sample items
Posted on the TEA student assessment website at
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

34. STAAR Performance Standards for Grades 3–8
Standards will be set in October 2012 after first administration in spring 2012.
First reports with performance standards applied will be available in late fall 2012.
Therefore, there will not be retest opportunities for SSI grades/subjects in 2011–2012.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

35. STAAR Performance Standards for EOC Assessments
Standards will be set in February 2012 prior to first high stakes administration in spring 2012.
First reports with performance standards applied will be available in late spring 2012.
First retests will be offered in summer 2012.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

36. STAAR EOC Assessments Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
Biology, Chemistry, Physics
English I, English II, English III
World Geography, World History, U.S. History
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

37. STAAR
EOC Assessments
Algebra II and English III assessments will include a performance standard that indicates college readiness.
Research will be conducted to investigate a college-readiness component for science and social studies EOC assessments.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

38. STAAR Graduation Requirements
Freshman class of 2011–2012 is first group to have EOC assessments as part of their a graduation requirement.
That is the current 8th graders.
All 12 EOC assessments will be available in 2011–2012 in both online and paper modes.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

39. STAAR Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate, a student must achieve a cumulative score that is at least equal to the product of the number of EOC assessments taken in that content area and a scale score that indicates satisfactory performance.
For each of the four core content areas, the cumulative score ≥ n x passing scale score, where n = number of assessments taken.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

40. STAAR Graduation Requirements
A student must achieve a minimum score, as determined by the commissioner, for the score to count towards the student’s cumulative score.
A student’s cumulative score is determined using the student‘s highest score on each EOC assessment.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

41. STAAR Graduation Requirements
For students on the minimum high school program, the cumulative score is based on the number of courses taken for which an EOC assessment exists.
For students on the minimum high school program, the cumulative score requirement may vary by subject area.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

42. STAAR Graduation Requirements
In addition to meeting the cumulative score requirement in each of the four core content areas, students on the recommended high school program have to pass EOC assessments for
Algebra II
English III
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

43. STAAR Graduation Requirements
In addition to meeting the cumulative score requirement in each of the four core content areas, students on the distinguished achievement program have to perform satisfactorily on the college-readiness component of the EOC assessments for
Algebra II
English III
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

44. STAAR Graduation Requirements
A student’s score on an EOC assessment will be worth 15% of the student’s final grade for that course.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

45. STAAR Graduation Requirements
In the future, TEA is planning multiple administrations of EOC assessments for
Students who complete the course at different times of the year
Retest opportunities
TEA is planning EOC administrations at the end of
Spring
Summer
Fall
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

46. Current EOC Assessments
Spring 2011 Administrations
Increased testing activities will provide several benefits
Ability to set performance standards prior to spring 2012
Ability to externally validate performance standards
Ability to develop and implement growth measures
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

47. Current EOC Assessments
Spring 2011 Administrations
Most campuses have been assigned mandatory operational testing in
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Includes online and paper modes
Testing window is May 9–27
Reports will be available to districts
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

48. Current EOC Assessments
Statewide summary reports for 2008–2010 are available on the TEA student assessment website at
Statewide summary reports include “All Students”; this refers only to those students who participated in the EOC assessments.
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

49. Current EOC Assessments
Algebra I EOC Assessment Performance
YEAR
MET STANDARD
COMMENDED PERFORMANCE
NUMBER TESTED
2005
49% 6%
20,844
2006
50% 7%
21,206
2007
53% 8%
32,812
2008
56%
11%
52,462
2009
57%
78,419
2010
12%
101,887
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

50. Current EOC Assessments
Geometry EOC Assessment Performance
YEAR
2009
2010
MEAN RAW SCORE
23/44
MEAN PERCENT CORRECT
52%
NUMBER TESTED
47,271
137,617
PASS RATE IF STANDARD = 70% OF ITEMS CORRECT
29%
23%
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

51. Student Assessment Division Mathematics Team Julie Guthrie, Director
For More Information…
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Student Assessment Division Mathematics Team
Julie Guthrie, Director
Larry Duncan, Manager
Mary Connor Karen Grad
Debbie Devaney Erin McNeely
Pat Ferry Anne Nappa
Donna Fontenot Erik Pinter
December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division

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December 2010
Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division