The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR): What You Need to Know Feb. 16, 2012 HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

2 What we’ll cover tonight  Overview of STAAR  Some frequently asked questions  Your questions

3 Before we begin … This information is the latest we have at this time. The state is still finalizing several crucial decisions regarding STAAR. HISD is reevaluating and modifying policies, regulations and procedures to fit the new structure and purpose of STAAR. As HISD receives updates from the TEA, specific details will be communicated to all students and parents/guardians.

4 A new accountability system starts this year

5 STAAR transition plan Grades 3-8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 & out-of-school

6 What is the STAAR test?  A new statewide testing system for elementary, middle, and high school students.  Like TAKS, it is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).  STAAR is designed to measure a student’s college and career readiness.

7 What is the STAAR test? High school Students take “end-of-course” exams Elementary and middle school Tested on same subjects/grades as TAKS

8 How is STAAR different? Time limitNoneFour hours Performance categories Did not meet standard. Met standard. Commended performance. Level I – Unsatisfactory Academic Performance Level II – Satisfactory Academic Performance Level III – Advanced Academic Performance Graduation Requirements Four exit-level tests End-of-course exams (EOCs) for 12 high school courses RigorMultiple steps with some open- ended questions High level of cognitive complexity, multiple steps, critical analysis, open-ended questions GoalMeasure student achievement Measure college and career readiness; make Texas students more competitive nationally and internationally

9 Is STAAR more difficult than the TAKS test? STAAR will assess students’ knowledge in a deeper way. Questions are:  More complex  Open-ended  Focused on critical thinking

10 Is STAAR more difficult than the TAKS test? Also, the STAAR test is timed – students will have four hours to complete the tests.

11 Example: STAAR question (Grade 3 Math)

12 Example: STAAR question (World Geography EOC)

13 How will performance be measured?

14 What tests will my child take? Grade 3: Math, Reading Grade 4: Math, Reading, Writing Grade 5: Math, Reading, Science Elementary Grade 6: Math, Reading Grade 7: Math, Reading, Writing Grade 8: Math, Reading, Social Studies, Science Middle End of course exams High school

15 Measuring performance in elementary and middle school All tests will be scored and reported, and a raw score will be returned.

16 Measuring performance in elementary and middle school Students may be required to attend summer school or take remedial courses based on their performance; therefore, it is critical that students do their very best and take their performance on each STAAR assessment seriously.

17 Measuring performance in elementary and middle school A student’s performance on the STAAR test may determine placement in pre-AP classes for middle school.

18 Preparing for STAAR testing in elementary and middle school  All HISD middle and elementary schools have been working diligently to prepare students for the rigor of STAAR assessments.  All schools are offering multiple opportunities for students to receive additional support, and we would ask your support in encouraging your child to take advantage of all opportunities being presented.

19 Looking ahead to high school: What is an EOC? MathEnglishScienceSocial Studies Algebra IEnglish I (Reading & Writing) BiologyWorld Geography GeometryEnglish II (Reading & Writing) ChemistryWorld History Algebra IIEnglish III (Reading & Writing) PhysicsU.S. History High school students will take 12 STAAR end-of-course assessments developed in foundation subjects.

20 Three important considerations about EOCs Students must achieve a minimum score. Students must also meet the cumulative score requirement in each of the four foundation subjects. MathEnglish Social Studies Science 1: 2:

21 Three important considerations about EOCs The score a student receives on a STAAR EOC assessment is required to count for 15% of the student’s final grade in the course.* Student’s FINAL GRADE 3: * State is considering delaying this requirement

22 The bottom line: A student’s performance on a STAAR EOC can affect GPA and class rank.

How grades will be calculated 23 FINAL GRADE 42.5% Semester A42.5% Semester B15% EOC Semester B 75% coursework25% final exam Semester A 75% coursework25% final exam

How grades will be calculated 24 Both semester grades are based entirely on teacher grades, but … First semester credit may be dependent on final course grade. FINAL GRADE 42.5% Semester A42.5% Semester B15% EOC Semester B 75% coursework25% final exam Semester A 75% coursework25% final exam

How will an EOC affect course credit? 25  If a student’s final grade is less than a 70 after 15% of an EOC score is applied, then the course credit is denied until the student either retakes the course to earn a higher grade and/or retakes the EOC exam to earn a higher score that will elevate the final grade to a minimum of 70  The student does not necessarily have to retake the course

26 A look at the requirements (using sample scale scores) Level I Unsatisfactory Academic Performance Level II Satisfactory Academic Performance RHSP: English III and Algebra II (1,000 minimum) Level III Advanced Academic Performance DAP: English III and Algebra II (1,400 minimum) ,0001,400 Minimum Score Minimum contribution = 900 Algebra I; English I; Biology; World Geography; Geometry; English II; Chemistry; World History; Physics; U.S. History Minimum contribution = 900 Algebra I; English I; Biology; World Geography; Geometry; English II; Chemistry; World History; Physics; U.S. History

27 Cumulative score requirement

28 Understanding cumulative scores Students taking Algebra II and English III must earn Level II or Level III performance.

29 Understanding cumulative scores

30 What accommodations are available? Accommodations during testing will be available for students who:  Receive special education services  Are identified for support under Section 504  Who have a specific need and meet TEA criteria for certain accommodations

31 What test versions are available?  Spanish versions for eligible English Language Learners in grades 3-5  Linguistically accommodated versions of STAAR, called STAAR L  STAAR Modified and STAAR Alternate for Special Education students

32 How can I help my child prepare for the STAAR test?  Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher or principal. Ask if there are exercises that can be done at home to help reinforce what your child is learning in preparation for the STAAR test.  Emphasize the importance of participating in school daily  Monitor your child’s progress on Parent Student Connect  Know the STAAR testing schedule and make sure your child gets adequate rest and eats breakfast on the morning of the test.  Encourage your child to do his or her best. Express confidence that he or she will do well.

Resources for you Check dates, info: houstonisd.org/STAAR Post your questions: hisdstaar.wordpress.com Follow on

Upcoming STAAR events Live parent forums on HISD-TV:  Feb. 28, 7-8 p.m. (English)  March 6, 7-8 p.m. (Spanish)  Watch LIVE on HISD-TV (Comcast, Ch. 18 & AT&T U- verse, Ch. 99) and online at

Questions