STAAR Test FAQs: Everything Texas Parents and Students Need to Know (2025 Guide)

The STAAR test is Texas's standardized assessment program that measures student achievement in core academic subjects like math and reading. It ensures students are meeting grade-level expectations.

STAAR stands for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness.It is a summative assessment that measures student mastery of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)

TEKS are the educational standards for Texas. They outline what students are expected to learn at each grade level. These standards guide curriculum development, classroom instruction, and assessments like the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness).Unlike some states that adopted the Common Core State Standards, Texas uses TEKS to ensure that what is taught in schools is in line with what is evaluated on state assessments. Teachers design lessons based on TEKS, which creates consistency in teaching and testing.

All students in Texas public schools and open-enrollment charter schools in grades 3-8 take grade-appropriate tests.

• Grades 3-8: Reading and Mathematics annually 

• Grades 5 and 8: Science 

• Grade 8: Social Studies 

High school students take End-of-Course (EOC) assessments. These are- Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History. Once a student has successfully passed all required EOC assessments (typically by 11th or 12th grade), they will no longer take STAAR tests. 

Yes, accommodations are available for:

• Students with disabilities (based on IEP or 504 plans)
• English Learners (linguistic accommodations)

What Linguistic Accommodations Are Available for English Learners? English Learners may receive several types of linguistic support:

• Bilingual dictionaries for word-to-word translations
• Extra time to process language and complete the test
• Clarification of word meaning in English for certain test items
• Oral translation of test directions or test items (when applicable)
• Spanish versions of tests for grades 3-5
• Text-to-speech functionality for online testing
• Content and language supports through the online testing platform

These accommodations must be regularly used in classroom instruction before being applied to STAAR testing. Your child's Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) determines which accommodations are appropriate based on their English proficiency level and educational needs.

Calculator requirements vary by test: 

• Grades 3-7 mathematics: Calculators are NOT permitted unless the student meets specific accommodation criteria 

• Grade 5 science: Calculators are NOT permitted unless as an accommodation 

• Grade 8 mathematics: Calculators are REQUIRED 

• Grade 8 science: Calculators are REQUIRED 

• Algebra I EOC: Calculators are REQUIRED 

• Biology EOC: Calculators are REQUIRED 

The online testing platform provides appropriate calculator tools for tests where they are required. The TEA updates calculator policies annually, so it's important to check the current year's guidelines. 

Yes, dictionaries are allowed and must be available for specific STAAR tests. Dictionaries must be available to students taking Grades 3-8 Reading Language Arts (RLA), Spanish Grades 3-5 Reading Language Arts, as well as English I and English II. 

Important Notes for Parents 

• Your child can use a school-provided dictionary or bring one from home 

• Students should use the same type of dictionary they normally use in class 

• Electronic dictionaries must have internet capabilities turned off during testing 

• Specialty dictionaries (teacher-made, student-made, subject-specific, or slang dictionaries) are not allowed 

If your child is taking the test online, a dictionary tool will be available within the testing platform. For paper tests or if you'd like your child to have an additional dictionary, the above guidelines apply. 

• For most grade levels (3-4, 6-7), failing does not prevent promotion to the next grade
• For grades 5 and 8, students who fail reading or mathematics may receive additional instruction and retake opportunities
• High school students must retake failed EOC assessments until they pass

Good news - no! If your child has already passed the STAAR test, they won't need to take it again, even if they need to retake the class. Once they pass the STAAR test, that requirement is completely taken care of.

High school students who fail STAAR EOC assessments may still have pathways to graduation: 

• Students have multiple opportunities to retake failed EOC assessments 

• Individual Graduation Committees (IGCs) can be formed for students who pass their courses but fail up to two EOC assessments 

• The IGC can recommend alternative requirements or projects to demonstrate proficiency 

• Substitute assessments (like the ACT or SAT) may be accepted in place of certain EOC assessments 

Texas law does not provide an official opt-out provision. While parents can keep children home on test days, there is no formal opt-out process recognized by the Texas Education Agency.

Schools will schedule make-up testing within the testing window (usually 1-5 days after the original test date).

• STAAR Test administration: April-May 

• STAAR EOC Tests: Apri-May or June or December 

.Specific dates can be found on the STAAR Student Assessment Testing Calendar. Schools communicate specific testing dates to parents, usually months in advance. 

Texas has been transitioning to online testing. 

• Since the 2022-2023 school year, most STAAR tests are administered online 

• Paper versions are available as an accommodation for students with specific needs documented in their IEP or 504 plans 

• The online testing platform includes accessibility features such as text-to-speech, content and language supports, and spell check for applicable sections 

Here are the most common questions asked about STAAR Test Scores:

STAAR tests are scored using a scaled score system:

• Raw scores (number of questions answered correctly) are converted to scaled scores
• Scaled scores allow for comparison across different test forms and years
• Performance levels (Did Not Meet, Approaches, Meets, Masters) are determined based on scaled score cut points
• Multiple-choice questions are worth 1 point each
• Writing compositions and short answer responses are scored using rubrics

STAAR uses four categories to describe how well students perform:

• Masters Grade Level: This is the highest level, showing a strong understanding of the subject.
• Meets Grade Level: Students at this level have a solid grasp of the material.
• Approaches Grade Level: This level indicates a basic understanding of the subject.
• Did Not Meet Grade Level: This level shows that the student needs significant improvement in their understanding.

In Texas, a student is considered to have "passed" the STAAR test if they score at or above the Approaches Grade Level category.

Result availability timelines:

• Online results: Typically, available within 10-14 days after testing
• Paper reports: Usually sent home with students before the end of the school year
• Expedited results: For grades 5 and 8, reading and math (used for promotion decisions) results are expedited
• High school EOC results: Available within 2-3 weeks after testing

You can access your child's test results through the Texas Assessment Family Portal. Each student receives a unique access code on their STAAR student report card. Use your code to log in to the Family Portal on the Texas Assessment website.

Start Early: Begin preparation at least 6-8 weeks before the test date to ensure ample time to cover all subjects.

• Taking practice STAAR sample questions online can help identify strengths and weaknesses. 
• Try released STAAR tests online.
• Ensure regular attendance and engagement in classroom instruction
• Help complete homework assignments
• Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition, especially before test days

STAAR-released test questions can be accessed:

• On the TEA website under the Student Assessment Division
• Through the Texas Assessment Portal, Try released STAAR tests online.
• Through your child's school, which may distribute practice materials
• At public libraries, which often maintain copies of released tests

Key Points to Remember:

• Failing the STAAR test does not automatically mean repeating a course
• Schools must provide accelerated instruction
• Individual growth matters more than a single test score

Teacher's Advice: Carefully review report cards and discuss:

• Child's strengths
• Areas for improvement
• Collaborative support strategies