STAAR English I Exam 63 multiple choice questions 3 short answer responses 1 expository essay You have a total of 5 hours to complete the exam! Current as of 3/12/2015

English I STAAR Blueprint Base Test 50 multiple choice questions 2 short answer responses 1 single 1 connecting 1 essay Field Test 13 multiple choice questions 7 reading questions 6 writing questions 1 short answer response (single or crossover) Calculates overall score

Why are there field questions? Evaluate the quality, difficulty, and fairness of questions Build high-quality tests for future years Ensure that these tests are legally defensible as graduation requirements

Nervous about the time limit? Time estimates from TEA: Reading Section (1 ½ hours) 1 hour to read the selections and answer the multiple- choice questions 30 minutes to respond to short answers Writing Section (2 hours) 1 ½ hours to write the essay 30 minutes to answer the multiple-choice questions TEA created a five hour window to ensure that students had enough time to double check answer choices and revise/edit the essay and short answers.

% of Total Score by Section Multiple Choice Component % of Score Performance Component % of ScoreTotal Points Reading Selection 50% 28 Questions (1 point each) 28 points 30% 2 Short Answer Responses (9 points each) 18 points 20% 92 Writing Section 50% 22 Questions (1 point each) 22 points 24% 1 Composition 24 points 26%

STAAR Test – Tuesday, March 29 Test starts at 7:25 a.m. Test is five hours long a “D” lunch has been added for testers You may bring a snack in a Ziploc bag – commercial bags are too noisy. No messy snacks! You may bring a water with a twist lid Bubble your answers as you go. After the five hours are done, you cannot continue to work even if your answer document is blank. You may read after the test. Must be an actual book (no kindle, nook, or phone). Phones must be off and in your bag Alarms must be turned off. Phones may NOT be with you. If you get caught with your cell phone, your test will not be scored by the state and you will face consequences from the school. If your phone rings during the test, there are also consequences from the school.

Top Ten STAAR Reminders

Multiple Choice Don’t be this kid!!

#1 = Read and Flip back to the passage! Don’t assume you know the answer without looking back at the passage. Especially if a specific paragraph or quote is mentioned, you should be flipping back to the article, story, or poem constantly.

#2 = Use that dictionary! If you miss a question about the spelling or definition of a word, this is how I will feel.

#3 = If any part of the answer is wrong, it’s All wrong! STAAR can be tricky! Read each question carefully, and if any part of the choice is wrong, it’s all wrong!!

#4 = When In Doubt, go with your first guess, but be sure to eliminate obviously wrong answers First. Your first intuition is usually right, so go with your gut. However, make sure you read each choice closely and eliminate options you know are wrong before making your final choice.

Short answer & essay Don’t be this kid!!

#5 = PLAN, Plan, Plan!! have You have to plan your essay and your short answers. You have the time, so plan everything out before you start writing in the test box.

#6 = Use multiple quotes in your Short Answer! The evidence for short answers comes from the text. Be sure to follow the TEAL formula, blend your quotes, and include the titles of the selections in your response.

#7 = Use what you Know!! We have read many great pieces this year: Of Mice and Men, Romeo and Juliet, A Raisin in the Sun, “The Most Dangerous Game,” etc. Use these pieces in your essay; they are great examples!

General Test Taking Tips Don’t be this kid!!

#8 = Watch Your Clock! 5 hours seems like a long time, but remember that anything not on your answer document when the time runs out doesn’t count!!

#9 = Take a Break! Get some water, eat a snack, go to the bathroom, but be sure to take a break. It gives your brain a rest and allows you to come back to the test with a fresh perspective.

#10 = Ask For supplies! Ask your test administrator for any of the following items: Dictionary / Thesaurus Highlighter Extra paper Sticky notes

Bonus #11 = Take a breath! You’ve got this. You are prepared for this test. Make sure to get a good night sleep, eat breakfast, and be sure to relax. It will all be okay!

Monday, March 28 Normal Schedule Tuesday, March 29 EOC English I Modified Schedule Testing: 7:25-1:15 Testing Lunch 1:15 - 1:44 7th 1:51 - 2:45 Wednesday, March 30 Normal M/T/F Bell Schedule 1st 7:25 – 8:12 2nd 8:19 – 9:06 3rd 9:13 – 10:03 (ADA 9:15) 4th 10:10 – 10:57 5th 11:05 – 12:57 A Lunch 10:57 – 11:24 B Lunch 11:28 – 11:55 C Lunch 11:59 – 12:26 D Lunch 12: :57 6th 1:04 – 1:51 7th 1:58 – 2:45 Thursday, April 2 No Late Arrival EOC English II Modified Schedule Testing: 7:25– 1:15 2nd 7:25 - 9:02 6th 9: :51 (ADA 9:30) 4th 10:59 - 1:44 A Lunch 10: :20 B Lunch 11: :53 C Lunch 11: :26 D Lunch 12: :59 Testing Lunch 1:15 - 1:44 7th 1:51 - 2:45 Friday, April 3 Normal Schedule