STAAR Elementary Testing Dates & Information

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• 2012-2013 STAAR Testing Dates for Elementary

  • Testing Calendar

• What's Different About STAAR™?

  STAAR includes more difficult testing methods and require a higher level of student performance. Assessments have increased in length for most grades and subjects. In reading, greater emphasis is placed on critical analysis of passages rather than literal understanding. The writing test requires two essays in both first-person and expository styles. On the science and mathematics tests, STAAR includes a type of open-ended question known as a griddable item. The purpose of griddable items is to allow students to develop answers independently without being influenced by answer choices provided with the questions (commonly known as multiple-choice). Most science and mathematics assessments include three to five griddable items. Illustrations of the test design for grades 3-8 are available at www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/.

  Performance standards for STAAR at grades 3–8 were set in fall 2012, after the first spring administration of STAAR.

  
  

• How does STAAR™ affect promotion to the next grade level?

  For the 2011-2012 school year only, the Student Success Initiative (SSI) promotion requirements for grades 5 and 8 did not include STAAR results. Students were assessed for promotion to the next grade by other academic information, such as grades and teacher recommendations. This transition between the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years was necessary since performance standards for STAAR at grades 3-8 were not set until fall 2012.

  Districts are required to provide remediation to any student who fails a STAAR assessment, whether in grades 3-8 or high school.