Overview
What scores are needed to pass STAAR EOC exams?
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) identifies four performance categories:
Masters Grade Level: Performance at this level indicates that a student shows mastery of the course content and is on track for college/career readiness.
Meets Grade Level: Performance at this level indicates that a student shows strong knowledge of course content and is prepared to progress to the next grade level.
Approaches Grade Level: Performance at this level indicates that a student shows some knowledge of course content, but may need additional support during the following school year.
Did Not Meet Grade Level: Performance at this level indicates that a student shows a lack of understanding of course content, and needs significant support during the following school year.
- Visit the TEA STAAR Resources website for more information, including STAAR FAQs.
K-8 Information
STAAR tests for K-8 students
- Mathematics and Reading: 3rd – 8th grade
- Science: 5th and 8th grade only
- Social Studies: 8th grade only
PACE STAAR testing
Due to the change in Math TEKS, PACE Math students will take the following STAAR in the spring of 2015:
- 5th grade PACE students take the 5th grade STAAR
- 6th grade PACE students take the 6th grade STAAR
- 7th grade PACE students take the 8th grade STAAR
- 8th grade PACE students take Algebra I EOC
What happens if my student is enrolled in a high school course in middle school?
To meet graduation requirements, middle school students who are enrolled in a high school level course required for graduation, such as Algebra l, will be required to take the End-of-Course (EOC) exam for that course. However, students in grades 6-8 may not be denied promotion based on unsatisfactory performance on STAAR EOC exams.
High School Information
Students take end-of-course (EOC) exams according to the classes in which they are enrolled. Middle school students who are enrolled in high school courses are also required to take the EOC tests.
The EOC assessments are listed below:
- English: English I, English II
- Math: Algebra I
- Science: Biology
- Social Studies: U.S. History
Special Population Information
STAAR will include additional test formats to accommodate students served by special education and English Language Learners:
- STAAR Alternate 2
- STAAR Online (with embedded supports)
- TELPAS
Students receiving accommodations will take the general STAAR tests on grade level and be provided with accommodations directed by their ARD/Individual Education Plan (IEP), which comply with the guidelines from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Special Education Students
The Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee will decide which State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) assessment a student served through special education programs should take. This decision is based on his/her abilities and eligibility requirements. Individual ARD committees will continue to consider the needs of each student and select additional accommodations and supplemental aids that are necessary to support the student’s assessment success. All students served through special education programs must have access to grade-level curriculum. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has established student eligibility requirements for accommodations.
TEA has established student participation requirements for the STAAR Alternate 2 assessments.
It is important to note that high school students who take the STAAR Alternate 2 EOC assessments will graduate under the Minimum Graduation Plan and may not meet the acceptance requirements for a four-year state college/university. However, students will be able to participate in other post secondary opportunities that will either lead them toward meeting the requirements for participating in a four-year university program or prepare them for a career/job that does not require a university level degree.
STAAR Requirements for English Language Learners (ELL students)
All ELL students in grades 3-11 take the STAAR. In addition, STAAR tests are available in Spanish, when appropriate, for ELL students in grades 3-5. These test versions are available to ELL students who have a maximum of 3 years in U.S. schools (or up to 5 years for previously unschooled asylees/refugees).
In addition to STAAR, ELL students also participate in the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS), a federally-required program that provides an annual measure of student progress in learning the English language. More information about TELPAS
English Language Learners (ELLs) represent a disperse group of students who know English in varying degrees when they enter U.S. schools. It takes a number of years for a student who does not know English upon entry to U.S. schools to become fluent and able to use English effectively and independently in academic settings. Therefore, certain accommodations are provided for these students. For each ELL student, the LPAC determines which allowable accommodations would be the most appropriate. More information about allowable accommodations for ELL students on STAAR and TELPAS
