Tips for STAAR

Get a good night's sleep before any test, especially the STAAR test.

Only bring yourself, and two books with you on test day Only bring yourself, and two books with you on test day. (If you brought your lunch it stays in the classroom.) We will give you pencils and a snack.

Fill in your answer sheets correctly Fill in your answer sheets correctly.  Be neat about the bubbles and don't let your pencil make any stray marks. Make sure you DO NOT write on your answer sheet with your highlighter. My suggestion is to put your answer sheet to the side and bubble in answers when you have finished your entire test. That way there aren’t a lot of eraser marks on your answer document as well.

Make sure you eat a championship breakfast the morning of the test.

It's okay to highlight, make notes, or work problems in the test booklet.  So use the extra space. Be sure to prove EVERY answer choice you make. Show me the evidence!!

Take a break when your brain needs it Take a break when your brain needs it. Put your pencil down and rest or take a walk quietly to the restroom and rinse your face with cold water if it helps.

Remember that you have 4 hours to take this test, but take your time and don’t rush. No one will be upset if you don’t finish, just as long as you are doing your best we will be happy. There will be nothing going on but testing, and when you are done all you will be able to do is read.

Have a little stamina. no fair rushing through the last few questions Have a little stamina...no fair rushing through the last few questions.  Remember that they count as much as the first ones. Remember it’s like running a race…you wouldn’t want to give up near the finish line.

Wear comfortable clothing, especially your shoes.  Bring a hoodie or a light jacket.  It could keep you warm and comfortable if the room gets too cold.

Remember this counts for you and will follow you to middle school, but don't put too much pressure on yourself.  Relax and have some confidence. If you get stuck on a question, just chill and remember all your teacher has taught you.

Don't bother anyone and don't let anyone distract you.

Read the passages twice to make sure you understood what you read. Make sure to follow directions carefully. Check over your work. Don't spend 30 minutes on one question.  Skip it and come back to it.

Don't even think about cheating Don't even think about cheating! I don’t think we need to worry about that with you…

Remember...it's just a test!  Calm down and don’t stress yourself out.

Do your best!  Who could ask for anything more? I am already so proud of you all!!! Good luck!