How are STAAR scores used?
In addition to providing data to parents and informing classroom instruction, STAAR results are used as one factor in the A-F accountability ratings that evaluate school districts and campuses each year.
Are there consequences for low STAAR performance?
Recent changes in Texas law have eliminated student-level promotion requirements related to STAAR performance. Low scores do not prohibit grade promotion or graduation but can identify areas where extra academic support may be needed.
What is New in the STAAR Redesign?
The STAAR exams have been updated for the 2022-2023 school year based on input from educators and students:
- New question types allow students to demonstrate critical thinking skills, not just memorization.
- More charts, graphs, and other visual elements better engage visual learners.
- There is greater emphasis on supporting answers with evidence versus picking a multiple-choice option.
- Unnecessary “trick” questions have been removed to improve clarity.
- Passages are more engaging and relatable to student experiences.
- Test content reflects what students have recently covered in the classroom.
Is the redesigned STAAR harder for my child?
While this new version aims to better assess student skills, it was not designed to be more difficult. Test questions remain tied to appropriate grade-level learning standards. Students are evaluated based on mastering content taught in the classroom.
