STAAR Practice Test: Info, Resources, and Preparation Tips

The STAAR is a series of standardized tests that all Texas public school students are required to pass. It assesses the knowledge and achievements students have gained in their respective grade levels. The material on the STAAR test is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) curriculum, which is taught in all Texas public schools. The STAAR offers schools, districts, and parents in-depth understanding and clarity when it comes to assessing students' level of mastery by focusing on key concepts taught each year.

Those concepts, known as the STAAR readiness standards, have the most significant impact on students' readiness for next year, as well as on their preparedness for college and the workforce. The STAAR is also designed to ensure students have mastered all the skills crucial for their academic success in the 21st century. Students in 5th and 8th grade must pass the reading and math STAAR assessments to be promoted to the next grade, while students in 11th and 12th grade who have not met the STAAR testing requirements for graduation may be denied a high school diploma.

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The STAAR Test assesses students in the following five subjects: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. While all students are tested in math and reading, the remaining subjects vary by grade. The STAAR Test sections and the grades they are usually administered to are displayed in the table below:

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) identifies several aspects of the TEKS curriculum as the most important factors to assess. These standards differ per subject and grade, and feature more prominently on the STAAR. They are essential for success in one's current grade and for mastering the subject taught, as well as for the student's future success in next year's course and, eventually, in college and the workforce. These standards encompass significant content and concepts, which means they require in-depth instruction for mastery.

• English, Reading, and Writing Readiness Standards:
• Reading specific genres, such as fiction and expository writing
• Writing for a particular purpose
• Mathematics Readiness Standards:
• Integration and application of mathematical skills
• Science Readiness Standards:
• Integration and application of major scientific concepts
• Social Studies Readiness Standards:
• Mastery of landmark historical events as well as fundamental geographical concepts
• Integration of historical and geographical themes, patterns, and trends

In addition to readiness standards, the STAAR also assesses supporting standards. These standards are introduced or reinforced during the students' current grade or course and may be relevant in the following year as well. They play an important, but not a central, role in preparing students for next year's challenges, as they address more narrowly defined concepts and content.

• English, Reading, and Writing Supporting Standards:
• Reading genres other than fiction and expository writing, such as drama, nonfiction, persuasive writing, and poetry
• Mathematics Supporting Standards:
• Focus on mathematical skills that underlie mathematical concepts significant to the student's current grade or course
• Science Supporting Standards:
• Focus on content that supports fundamental scientific principles significant to the student's current grade or course
• Social Studies Supporting Standards:
• Mastery of distinct historical facts and events as well as important individuals
• Integration of detail-oriented geographical facts and concepts

Find out more about STAAR Scoring.

Due to the nature of the exam, passing the STAAR test is crucial. It is important to make time to study and to prepare for the STAAR with TestPrep-Online. We offer a level-specific, child-friendly STAAR prep pack that will help your child practice for the test. Start preparing for the STAAR test today so your child will be confident and ready to succeed on test day.