Guide to the STAAR Test for 7th Grade

The STAAR test is aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which set clear expectations for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level.

• Purpose: To assess students’ mastery of key academic concepts and their readiness to advance to the next grade.
• Format: The test includes multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and extended-response items.
• Scoring: Each question is scored based on correctness, with extended responses awarded higher points depending on their complexity.

Preparation Tips:

• Review the TEKS for each subject area, focusing on both readiness and supporting standards.
• Use STAAR practice materials to familiarize yourself with the types of questions and format.
• Develop essential test-taking strategies, such as managing time effectively and using process of elimination.

Let’s break down the specific areas of focus for each section of the 7th-grade STAAR test.

The RLA section evaluates both reading comprehension and writing ability. Students are required to analyze various texts and articulate their understanding through written responses.

Test Breakdown

• Total Questions: 46
• Total Points: 56 (including 1-point, 2-point, and extended-response items)

Reporting Categories

1. Reading:

   • Students read literary and informational texts and answer questions based on their understanding of themes, character development, and the author’s purpose.
   • Includes 27–29 questions and 28–30 points.

2. Writing:

   • Involves revising and editing passages to improve clarity, grammar, and organization.
   • Includes one extended-response item, where students write a composition based on a reading passage.
   • Accounts for 17–19 questions and 26–28 points.

Preparation Tips:

• Practice reading a wide range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and persuasive texts.
• Focus on understanding the main ideas, themes, and literary devices in passages.
• Hone writing skills by practicing revisions for clarity, punctuation, and sentence structure.
• Develop your ability to write a structured, coherent essay with clear arguments.

Having covered RLA, let's now turn to Math, where students apply mathematical reasoning to solve problems across various concepts.

The Math section of the STAAR test assesses students’ ability to apply mathematical concepts in real-world scenarios, with a focus on problem-solving and critical thinking.

Test Breakdown

• Total Questions: 38
• Total Points: 48 (including 1-point and 2-point questions)

Reporting Categories

1. Numerical Representations and Relationships:

   • Involves operations with integers, rational numbers, ratios, proportions, and percentages.
   • Accounts for 8–10 questions and 8–12 points.

2. Algebraic Reasoning:

   • Includes solving linear equations and inequalities, as well as understanding algebraic expressions and patterns.
   • Accounts for 12–14 questions and 13–16 points.

3. Geometry and Measurement:

   • Covers concepts such as area, volume, surface area, and properties of two- and three-dimensional shapes.
   • Accounts for 5–7 questions and 6–8 points.

4. Data Analysis and Personal Financial Literacy:

   • Involves interpreting data from graphs, statistics, and understanding basic financial concepts like saving and budgeting.
   • Accounts for 6–8 questions and 7–10 points.

Preparation Tips:

• Practice solving multi-step problems that involve fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Familiarize yourself with geometric formulas and concepts like perimeter, area, and volume.
• Interpret data from charts and graphs, and learn to calculate averages, medians, and ranges.
• Understand basic financial principles, including budgeting and making smart financial choices.

Now that we’ve explored both RLA and Math, let’s take a look at how students can best prepare for test day to perform at their best.

To succeed on the STAAR test, students need more than just academic knowledge—they also need to maintain a calm, focused mindset and employ effective test-taking strategies.

Before the Test:

• Look at lots of STAAR Test sample questions.
• Get a full night’s sleep to ensure you are well-rested and alert.
• Eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body and mind for the test.
• Arrive at the test location early to avoid unnecessary stress.

During the Test:

• Carefully read all instructions before answering the questions.
• Pace yourself—don’t linger too long on any one question; move on and come back to it if needed.
• If time permits, review your answers to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
• Stay calm even if you encounter difficult questions—remember that you can always come back to them later.

By using these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to tackling the STAAR test with confidence and maximizing your performance!

• Simulate Testing Conditions: Help your child get used to the pressure and format of the test.
• Skill Enhancement: Designed to allow your child to progress at their own pace, building confidence and competence.