1. STAAR 101: What Parents Need to Know
Presented by Haslet Elementary

2. What is the STAAR test?
Criterion-reference test measuring the state mandated curriculum (TEKS)
Timed Test
Passing Standard set by raw score
Converted to a scale score
‘Met Standard’ (“Cut Score”) established by State Board of Education in Austin

3. STAAR Elementary Grades and Subjects
Mathematics
Reading
Grade 4
Writing
Grade 5
Mathematics
Reading
Science

4. STAAR Dates Tuesday, March 28 Wednesday, March 29 Monday, May 8
Wednesday, May 10
Grade 4 Writing
Grade 5
Math
Grade 5 Reading
Grade 3
Grade 4
Math Retest
Grade 3 Reading
Grade 4 Reading
Grade 5 Reading Retest
Grade 5 Science

5. Content Standards - TEKS
STAAR will test the content standards called the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) .
The TEKS have been divided into the following standards:
READINESS standards
SUPPORTING standards
Process Skills have also been identified in Social Studies, Math, and Science.
These will be tested with the content standards (Readiness or Supporting).

6. Readiness vs. Supporting Standards
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
Address broad and deep concepts, skills, ideas
Supporting Standards
Although introduced and/or reinforced in the current grade or course, they may be emphasized in a subsequent year.
They play a role in preparing students for the next grade or course but not a central role.
They address more narrowly defined ideas.

7. STAAR Reading Reporting Categories
Reporting Category 1: Understanding Across Genres The student will demonstrate an ability to understand a variety of written texts across reading genres.
Reporting Category 2: Understanding and Analysis of Literary Texts The student will demonstrate an ability to understand and analyze literary texts.
Reporting Category 3: Understanding and Analysis of Informational Texts The student will demonstrate an ability to understand and analyze informational texts.

8. STAAR Grade 3 Reading Blueprint

9. STAAR Grade 4 Reading Blueprint

10. STAAR Grade 5 Reading Blueprint

11. STAAR Math Reporting Categories
Reporting Category 1: Numbers, Operations and Quantitative Reasoning
The student will demonstrate an understanding of numbers, operations and quantitative reasoning.
Reporting Category 2: Patterns, Relationships, and Algebraic Reasoning
The student will demonstrate an understanding of patterns, relationships, and algebraic reasoning.
Reporting Category 3: Geometry and Spatial Reasoning
The student will demonstrate an understanding of geometry and spatial reasoning.

12. STAAR Math Reporting Categories
Reporting Category 4: Measurement
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and uses of measurement.
Reporting Category 5: Probability and Statistics
The student will demonstrate an understanding of probability and statistics.

13. STAAR Grade 3 Math Blueprint

15. STAAR 3rd Grade Math
Randy and Zack are arguing about their team’s final score. Randy says that he made 12 baskets and earned the team 22 points. Zack says that Randy’s 22 points came from scoring 11 baskets. Which boy is correct, and why?
A.  Randy is correct because each basket is worth 2 points and 12 × 2 = 22. B.  Zack is correct because each basket is worth 3 points and 11 × 3 = 22. C.  Randy is correct because each basket is worth 3 points and 12 × 3 = 22. D.  Zack is correct because each basket is worth 2 points and 11 × 2 = 22.

16. STAAR Grade 4 Math Blueprint

18. STAAR 4th Grade Math
The 48 students of Adams Elementary School’s fourth grade class are taking a snack break during their field trip. Each student will receive one cup of apple juice on break. How many gallons of juice will be needed so that each student can drink one cup? F. 3 gallons G. 6 gallons H. 12 gallons J. 16 gallons

19. STAAR Grade 5 Math Blueprint

21. STAAR 5th Grade Math
Mr. Bundy wants to buy enough cat food to feed his cat for 60 days. His cat eats 100 grams of food 3 times a day. How many kilograms of cat food should he buy? F. 1.8 kilograms G. 6 kilograms H. 18 kilograms J. 60 kilograms

22. STAAR Writing Reporting Categories
Reporting Category 1: Composition
The student will demonstrate an ability to compose a variety of written
texts with a clear, central idea; coherent organization; sufficient
development; and effective use of language and conventions.
Reporting Category 2: Revision
The student will demonstrate an ability to revise a variety of written
texts.
Reporting Category 3: Editing
The student will demonstrate an ability to edit a variety of texts.

23. STAAR Grade 4 Writing Blueprint

24. Grade 4 Writing Revision
The word because does not appropriately connect the two clauses in sentence 17. Which word should replace the word because?
A if
B while
C although
D where

25. STAAR Science Reporting Categories
Reporting Category 1: Matter and Energy
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of matter and
energy and their interactions.
Reporting Category 2: Force, Motion, and Energy
The student will demonstrate an understanding of force, motion, and energy
and their relationships.
Reporting Category 3: Earth and Space
The student will demonstrate an understanding of components, cycles,
patterns, and natural events of Earth and space systems.
Reporting Category 4: Organisms and Environments
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the structures and functions
of living organisms and their interdependence on each other and on their
environment.
Scientific Investigation and Reasoning Skills
These skills will not be listed under a separate reporting category. Instead, they
will be incorporated into at least 40% of the test questions in reporting
categories 1–4 and will be identified along with content standards.

26. STAAR Grade 5 Science Blueprint

27. STAAR Grade 5 Science

28. STAAR Grade 5 Science

29. How are we preparing for STAAR?
Daily Curriculum
In School Systems for Practice
After School Tutorials
Computer Programs
Student Goal Setting
Family Conferences

30. What can you do?
Know the STAAR testing schedule and avoid making appointments on that day.
Make sure your child gets adequate rest and eats a healthy breakfast on the morning of the test.
Encourage your child to do his or her best. Express confidence that he or she will do well.

31. What can you do?
Encourage your child to read a variety of all kinds (genres) of text: books of all kinds, magazines, plays, poetry, newspapers, etc.
Help your child to understand the meaning of new words using context clues.
Ask who, what, when, where and why questions to help your child understand the main idea, purpose and implied meaning of what is read.

32. What can you do?
When your child gets “stuck” on a problem suggest trying again or using another strategy to find the answer.
Let your child know that he/she can be successful in mathematics.
Be sure your child is fact proficient (they know their math facts).

33. Helpful Tips for STAAR Testing Days
Before Testing Days
Visualization: have a conversation with your child about what the day will look like.
Get a good night's sleep.
Self-Talk: give your child a few phrases that can motivate him/her. "I just need to do my best!" "I can do it." "Stay cool."
Answer any fears or questions your child might have.
Prepare your child’s snacks, pencils, clothes, etc. the night before.
On STAAR Testing Day
Eat a good, healthy breakfast.
Do relaxing activities like taking deep breaths, tensing muscles and then relaxing them or talking about something unrelated to STAAR.
Arrive early or on-time to school.
Wear layers so your child is comfortable in any temperature.
Remain calm and positive.

34. Questions?