This is the year that STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) really counts. Not that it didn’t count last year (which was the first year it was implemented), but this is the year that the Student Success Initiative (SSI) comes into play.

And that play requires that fifth and eighth grade students pass STAAR Reading and Math exams to be promoted into the next grade level. Students who do not pass STAAR the first time are given opportunities to retest.

Parents of kids in third through twelfth grade already know that TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) was replaced last year by STAAR. What you may not know is how the state assessments differ. Knowing how STAAR differs can help you prepare your child prepare and put them ahead of the game. 

• Time’s up...Four hour time limit: Students will have four hours to complete each test instead of the entire school day that was allotted on TAKS. (Some students may be eligible for accommodations. Email your child’s school counselor for more information.)
• There’s more to this test than meets the eye..Rigor: According to the Texas Education Agency, “The STAAR will be more rigorous than previous state tests.” Most of the tests will have a larger number of questions.
• Content: Most of the tests will consist of material students studied this school year.

The biggest change for high school is that students will be required to take 12 EOC (end of course) exams throughout their high school years.

EOC assessments will be administered in the following courses:

English I, English II, English III

Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II

Biology, Chemistry, Physics

World Geography, World History, US History

Be sure to visit the TEA’s website for up-to-date information at www.tea.state.tx.us.

Now that you know almost everything you need to know about STAAR, there will be a test, but your kids will be taking it for you.

Sharon Kind is a licensed school counselor and freelance writer. A product of a military family, she is a mom of one daughter and resides in McKinney, Texas. Sharon Kind can be reached at schoolcounselormom@yahoo.com.