STAAR

What is STAAR?

Why?

• The Texas Legislature mandates assessments in 3-8th math, reading, writing, science, and social studies and HS courses
• The federal law mandates assessments in 3rd-8th math and reading
• We want to know how each child is doing and how we are doing in meeting his/her academic needs

Who takes what?

• 3rd---math and reading
• 4th---math, reading, writing
• 5th---math, reading, science
• 6th---math, reading
• 7th---math, reading, writing
• 8th---math, reading, science, social studies
• High School----5 end of course exams as you take the class

When?

• March 29 math
• March 30 reading
• May 9 math (2nd try)
• May 10 reading (2nd try)
• May 11 science
• June 21 math (3rd try)
• June 22 reading (3rd try)

What if my child doesn't pass...

• 3 trys
• intensive intervention between 1st and 2nd test
• summer school between 2nd and 3rd test
• retention in 5th grade

How does testing work?

• 1 day, 4 hours
• building closed to visitors
• eat breakfast before testing, lunch after testing
• test in classroom with teacher, some to small groups
• When finished testing, sit and read
• No phones, tablets in room during testing

How to help at home?

• Talk to teacher about areas not yet mastered
• Work on those areas using paper and online resources
• Handout of resources by subject
• Encourage, don't stress

Days before testing

• regular bed time (9-10 hrs at this age
• Healthy meals
• Let pick meal night before testing
• Encourage to do best
• Eat breakfast (protein)
• Focus, remember what the teacher said
• Ask for paper, highlighter, etc.
• When in doubt, skip and come back
• Best to answer all questions if running out of time

Questions?