1. THE FOR REAL, REAL* STAAR TEST OVERVIEW
*Not to be confused with “For Play, Play” Version.

3. We won’t know until the test day which items will be added to the exam.

4. So, how is this all scored, again?

5. % of Total Score by Section
Multiple Choice Component
% of Score
Performance Component
Total Points
Reading Section 50%
28 questions
(1 point each)
28 points
30%
2 Short Answer Responses
(9 points each)
18 points
20% 92
Writing Section 50%
22 questions
22 points
24%
1 Composition 24 points
26%

6. Let’s Talk About Essay Scores

7. Weighted Score for Expository Essay
Summed Score
Weighted X3
Total
Points 4 8 x3 24 3 7 21 6 18 2 5 15 12 1 9
Essentially, it’s not the difference between 1 or 2 points. It’s exponential!

8. Don’t be like Brian

9. Sure Fire Ways to Fail a Writing Test
1. Don't plan. Just wander around- total stream of consciousness. Talk about this for a little while. How many more days until summer? Talk about that a bit. Where you go next, nobody knows. 2. Be vague. Write about the people who do stuff...sometimes or a lot of times. You know. 3. Repeat the same idea. Tell your idea over and over. No need for something new- just say the same words in a slightly different order again and again. 4. Have horrible conventions. you know run-ons and incomplete sentences If the paper is too difficult to understand do to conventions, it's D.O.A. A quick way to remedy this is to get students in the habit of reading their papers aloud and listen to them read by others. If it doesn't make sense, Houston, we have a problem. 5. Don't write enough. Done.

10. Let’s Talk about Short Answer Responses

11. All Short Answer Must Have:
Assertion-Direct answer to the question.
Text Evidence-Something you’ve taken directly from the text and put in “” quotation marks.
Commentary-Your thoughts that support your idea that the text evidence matches the answer.
Depth
Orbit back to the text
General statement giving the final thought
(Text Evidence and Commentary are doubled with you’re dealing with paired passages)

12. Weighted Score for Short Answers
Single Short Answer
Score
Weighted x3
Total Points 3 9 2 6 1
Again, it’s not the difference between 1 or two points. It’s an exponential Difference!
Paired Passage Short Answer (Crossover)
Score
Weighted x3
Total Points 3 9 2 6 1

13. What does that look like combined together?
Monster.

14. Possible Points for short answers combined
If your score was the same on both
Score from single
Score from paired
Total Points 9 18 6 12 3
Some possible combinations if the two scores were different
Score from single
Score from paired
Total Points 9 6 15 3

15. Last Minute Reminders Revising and Editing Expository Essay
Writing Section
Reading Section
Revising and Editing
You don’t have to annotate, but be sure to read carefully.
Expository Essay
Make sure to read the prompt carefully so you stay on topic.
Clear Thesis
Specific Examples
Sufficient length (around words)
Reading Passages
Read and Annotate
Don’t need to find every little thing. Use your time wisely.
Find evidence to support answers.
Short Answers
Look back at the multiple choice for hints
Plan your short answer before writing the final version.

16. Bubble as go to ensure you get all your answers on your document!

17. Prep Materials
If you still have your beads.
You don’t need them anyway, you know what to do!

18. Cellphones
You’re not allowed access to your phone at any point while you’re in the testing room.
The teacher will take it from you and you’ll get it back once they’ve announced it’s okay to have them.

19. “It’s a Matter of Time” Time doesn’t stop when you go to the restroom.
Only one person can be in the bathroom at a time, so be mindful of the situation.

20. Speaking of Time
No naps during the test.
Wait until you’re done to sleep.

21. Snack Time
You’re allowed to have a snack at your desk and bottle of water.
No Energy Drinks or Sodas allowed during the test.

22. Water, Water Everywhere!
This is Okay!
This is NOT!

23. Bring a Lunch
Once you’re on campus, your parents will not be able to bring you a lunch.
If you forget, don’t worry, the testing teacher will order for you.
You will keep this at your desk, not in your backpack.
Needs to be in bag that is not a backpack.

24. Speaking of Backpacks
You will not be allowed access to anything in your backpack after you enter the testing room.
You will leave it at the front.
If you happen to forget something, the teacher will have to retrieve it for you.

25. After the Test You may do the following: Read a Novel or other Book.
Manga and Graphic Novels count
No Magazines or Text Books.
Sleep. Yes, the one time you’re encouraged sleep during school.

26. After the Test You may be finished but others may need more time.
Keep quiet so everyone has an equal chance at success!
Same goes if your testing room is done. You still need to keep your volume low so that other rooms aren’t disturbed.

27. You’re Gonna Defeat this test!
But Remember:
You’re Prepared!
You’re Awesome!
You’re Gonna Defeat this test!
(yes, I used slang on purpose!)

28. To be your best you’re going to need some equipment!

29. Inventory Check
Pencil
Eraser
Sharpener
Snack
Mints