THE FOR REAL, REAL* STAAR TEST OVERVIEW *Not to be confused with “For Play, Play” Version.

We won’t know until the test day which items will be added to the exam.

So, how is this all scored, again?

% of Total Score by Section Multiple Choice Component % of Score Performance Component Total Points Reading Section 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 22 points 24% 1 Composition 24 points 26%

Let’s Talk About Essay Scores

Weighted Score for Expository Essay Summed Score Weighted X3 Total Points 4 8 x3 24 3 7 21 6 18 2 5 15 12 1 9 Essentially, it’s not the difference between 1 or 2 points. It’s exponential!

Don’t be like Brian

Sure Fire Ways to Fail a Writing Test 1. Don't plan. Just wander around- total stream of consciousness. Talk about this for a little while. How many more days until summer? Talk about that a bit. Where you go next, nobody knows. 2. Be vague. Write about the people who do stuff...sometimes or a lot of times. You know. 3. Repeat the same idea. Tell your idea over and over. No need for something new- just say the same words in a slightly different order again and again. 4. Have horrible conventions. you know run-ons and incomplete sentences If the paper is too difficult to understand do to conventions, it's D.O.A. A quick way to remedy this is to get students in the habit of reading their papers aloud and listen to them read by others. If it doesn't make sense, Houston, we have a problem. 5. Don't write enough. Done.

Let’s Talk about Short Answer Responses

All Short Answer Must Have: Assertion-Direct answer to the question. Text Evidence-Something you’ve taken directly from the text and put in “” quotation marks. Commentary-Your thoughts that support your idea that the text evidence matches the answer. Depth Orbit back to the text General statement giving the final thought (Text Evidence and Commentary are doubled with you’re dealing with paired passages)

Weighted Score for Short Answers Single Short Answer Score Weighted x3 Total Points 3 9 2 6 1 Again, it’s not the difference between 1 or two points. It’s an exponential Difference! Paired Passage Short Answer (Crossover) Score Weighted x3 Total Points 3 9 2 6 1

What does that look like combined together? Monster.

Possible Points for short answers combined If your score was the same on both Score from single Score from paired Total Points 9 18 6 12 3 Some possible combinations if the two scores were different Score from single Score from paired Total Points 9 6 15 3

Last Minute Reminders Revising and Editing Expository Essay Writing Section Reading Section Revising and Editing You don’t have to annotate, but be sure to read carefully. Expository Essay Make sure to read the prompt carefully so you stay on topic. Clear Thesis Specific Examples Sufficient length (around 240- 300 words) Reading Passages Read and Annotate Don’t need to find every little thing. Use your time wisely. Find evidence to support answers. Short Answers Look back at the multiple choice for hints Plan your short answer before writing the final version.

Bubble as go to ensure you get all your answers on your document!

Prep Materials If you still have your beads. You don’t need them anyway, you know what to do!

Cellphones You’re not allowed access to your phone at any point while you’re in the testing room. The teacher will take it from you and you’ll get it back once they’ve announced it’s okay to have them.

“It’s a Matter of Time” Time doesn’t stop when you go to the restroom. Only one person can be in the bathroom at a time, so be mindful of the situation.

Speaking of Time No naps during the test. Wait until you’re done to sleep.

Snack Time You’re allowed to have a snack at your desk and bottle of water. No Energy Drinks or Sodas allowed during the test.

Water, Water Everywhere! This is Okay! This is NOT!

Bring a Lunch Once you’re on campus, your parents will not be able to bring you a lunch. If you forget, don’t worry, the testing teacher will order for you. You will keep this at your desk, not in your backpack. Needs to be in bag that is not a backpack.

Speaking of Backpacks You will not be allowed access to anything in your backpack after you enter the testing room. You will leave it at the front. If you happen to forget something, the teacher will have to retrieve it for you.

After the Test You may do the following: Read a Novel or other Book. Manga and Graphic Novels count No Magazines or Text Books. Sleep. Yes, the one time you’re encouraged sleep during school.

After the Test You may be finished but others may need more time. Keep quiet so everyone has an equal chance at success! Same goes if your testing room is done. You still need to keep your volume low so that other rooms aren’t disturbed.

You’re Gonna Defeat this test! But Remember: You’re Prepared! You’re Awesome! You’re Gonna Defeat this test! (yes, I used slang on purpose!)

To be your best you’re going to need some equipment!

Inventory Check Pencil Eraser Sharpener Snack Mints