All About the STAAR Test

All About the STAAR Test (Temp)

(this is static-staar-about.html taken from: https://texasassessment.gov/staar/families/all-about-the-staar-test/ )
VIDEO HERE

View Transcript overview of STAAR video
Video with Audio Description Overview of STAAR

Information for Parents About the STAAR Test

Who?
All public school students in Texas, grades 3–12, take STAAR tests.
What?
STAAR is the state’s testing program and is based on state curriculum standards in core subjects including reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
When?
Grades 3–8 STAAR tests are given in the spring. End-of-course assessments (EOC) are given throughout the year. The number of tests your child takes each year will depend on what grade he or she is in. Most students will have two to four testing days during the school year.
Where?
STAAR tests are given to students at their own school, in regular classrooms that have been set up to make it easy to focus on the test. If students have certain special needs and require special accommodations, they may be tested in a different area of the school.
Why?
STAAR tests are designed to measure what students are learning in each grade and whether or not they are ready for the next grade. The goal is to ensure that all students receive what they need to be academically successful. Meeting these individual student needs depends greatly on schools, parents, and community members working together.
How?
STAAR tests for grades 3–8 and EOC assessments are offered in both online and paper formats.
VIDEO HERE

View Transcript Understanding the STAAR and Score video
Video with Audio Description Understanding the STAAR and Score

Want more details about the specifics of the STAAR test?

Time Limit Policies

The STAAR English I and English II assessments have a five-hour time limit. All other STAAR assessments have a four-hour time limit. Students must complete the test within the same school day. For more details on STAAR time limits, policies, and procedures, download this PDF document.

Download STAAR Time Limits PDF

Testing Calendar

Grades 3–8 STAAR tests are given in the spring. End-of-course assessments (EOC) are given throughout the year. Download this calendar to find out when your child will be tested in the coming school year.

Download the Testing Calendar

High School STAAR Overview

High school students who entered the ninth grade in the 2011–2012 school year or later must take and pass certain required courses and EOC assessments to graduate from a Texas public high school. These are English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. history. If a student takes and passes any of these EOC assessments end-of-course exams in middle school, those scores will count toward their state testing requirements for graduation. For more information on the STAAR for high school students, download this PDF.

Download STAAR for High School Students PDF

Language Proficiency Assessment Committees

LPACs make testing decisions for English learners, including test accommodations, alternate tests, etc.

Go to LPACs Information Page on TEA Website

Testing Accommodations for Students With Special Needs

Certain students with special needs may qualify for special accommodations in order to help them complete STAAR tests. These could be in-classroom accommodations such as extra time, taking the test online, or sound or sight supports, for example. These accommodations are decided on in partnership among students, parents, teachers, administrators, and TEA officials, and must be approved in advance of test day.

Download the Informational PDF