Requirements and Test Administration
Private schools, charter schools and homeschooling students are not required to take the STAAR test. STAAR Testing dates typically occur in the spring months around April. Your child will be given 4 hours to complete the STAAR test (5 hours for English I and II only.).
STAAR Test History and Legislation
The STAAR test was announced because the TAKS assessment was repealed in 2007. Senate Bill 1031 called for secondary schools to take end-of-course exams when a course ended instead of general "core subject" tests.
On March 16, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott waived STAAR for 2019–2020 due to COVID-19.
Test Structure and Requirements
- STAAR tests knowledge and skills in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science for grades 3-12.
- STAAR is mandatory for public schools.
- Students get four hours for a STAAR test, except English exams, which get five hours.
- The number of tests depends on grade. Most students take 2 to 4 STAAR tests during the 180-day year at their schools.
Changes and Adaptations
HB 3906 redesigned STAAR. With online tests, online test prep makes sense!
In 2021, Texas students took STAAR but schools were not rated on results. STAAR chemistry test is an EOC Assessment.
Voluntary Participation and Subject Coverage
Texas private and home schools can voluntarily take secure state assessments like TELPAS, EOC STAAR, and Spanish STAAR.
- Each STAAR test covers one subject.
- Grades 3-8 take Reading and Math.
- Grades 4 & 7 also take Writing.
Performance Standards and Requirements
To pass STAAR, students must meet the performance standard for their grade or course set by the Texas Education Agency, typically a minimum scale score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is required to take the STAAR test in Texas?
Any private school, charter school, and homeschooling that does not receive monetary support from Texas is not required to take the STAAR test. Schools receiving state funds are required to enforce STAAR testing among students.
What is the STAAR test?
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) measures students’ knowledge and skills in various subjects. The standardized test is administered to grades 3-8 and high school.
Who takes the STAAR test and how long is it?
All Texas public school students in grades 3-12 take mandatory STAAR tests.
What happens if a student fails the STAAR test?
Students must meet grade/course performance standards set by the Texas Education Agency to pass STAAR.
How is the 2023 STAAR test changing?
House Bill 3906 initiated a full redesign of the annual standardized STAAR test.
Were 2021 STAAR tests still required despite COVID-19?
Despite calls to cancel testing, all public school students had to take 2021 STAAR exams in-person at monitored test sites.
What subjects does the STAAR test cover?
STAAR assesses knowledge and skills in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.