With STAAR results rolling out across the state, here’s a quick guide to what the test is, how to interpret scores, and why it matters.
STAAR is a test that Texas students take once a year, typically at the end of April. It’s meant to align to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), meaning it asks questions based on grade-appropriate standards set by the state. In grades 3-8, students take the STAAR Subject Tests; students taking high-school-level coursework take End of Course (EOC) exams in five core subjects.
STAAR has evolved over the years to better align with how students learn in the classroom. In 2023, the exam went through a major refresh to include more open response questions, cross-subject reading passages and writing prompts, and to shift to online administration.
What’s the bar for STAAR?
The STAAR test uses four performance levels to show how well a student understands the material.
- Does Not Meet Grade Level: The student didn’t show enough understanding of the subject. They are likely to struggle in the next grade without extra help.
- Approaches Grade Level: The student shows some understanding but still has gaps. They may need support to be successful in future lessons.
- Meets Grade Level: The student understands most of the material and is likely to do well in the next grade. This is considered a solid passing score.
- Masters Grade Level: The student shows a strong understanding and can handle more advanced material.
To pass STAAR, students must score in “approaches grade level” or higher. That might sound like it requires getting at least half the answers right, but in reality, the bar is much lower. In most cases, students only need to answer a little over a third of the questions correctly. For example, 4th graders only need 17 out of 40 correct on math; 6th graders need 21 out of 56 on reading; and Algebra I students can pass with just 20 out of 59 correct. The “approaches” level signals basic proficiency and is a minimum benchmark — a first check that students are on track. It often means students still need support to succeed in the next grade or course.
How does this compare to other tests?
Various assessments are administered throughout the school year and each of these plays a different role in measuring academic proficiency.
The first kind is diagnostic: they’re administered to get a gauge of where students are at the beginning of a course. These include the kindergarten readiness assessments (e.g., Circle) and language proficiency assessments to determine whether a child needs English language support.
Other assessments are formative, meaning they test skills at a point-in-time to help understand whether students have mastered a smaller set of skills. Think about quizzes, exit tickets, or “Demonstrations of Learning” that drill down to a really specific skill or concept.
Other assessments are summative: they’re usually less frequent and test a collection of knowledge and skills students are expected to master. STAAR falls in this category.
Why does it matter?
Teachers use STAAR results to tailor instruction, build student groups, and identify students who need additional support. At the school level, they help inform curriculum choices, summer school recommendations, and interventions. For the broader Houston community, the data helps track student progress and spotlight schools that are making gains. Outside of the classroom, STAAR has an important role in helping schools, districts, and the broader Houston community understand student progress, make decisions around support and resourcing, and look for bright spots across the state.
Be on the lookout for our data analysis and insights as Good Reason Houston reviews results from across the region this week.
