STAAR Overview of the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness

We Have Been Down this Path Before And each time we needed a little time to learn the new system. And each test added a new layer of rigor and a new set of expectations for our students and for our teachers. And each time we have succeeded! And we will again…

One Step: 1.Fewest barrels TABS Exit Level Math Started in 1980

Two Steps: 1.Find point on graph 2.Multiply 30 pupils x $300 = $9,000 TEAMS Exit Level Math (started in 1986)

Three Steps: 1.Find paper on pie chart 2.Divide tons of paper by total tons: 72/180 3.Convert to 40% TAAS Exit Level Math (started in 1990)

Five Steps: 1.Add all votes = 1,200 2.Determine which student finished 3 rd (Bridget: 240 votes) 3.Determine Bridget’s %age of votes 240 / 1,200 = 20% 4.Know that a pie chart has 360 total degrees 5.Determine 20% of 360 degrees:.20 x 360 = 72 TAKS Exit Level Math (Started in 2003)

Five Steps: 1.The student must know how to apply the quadratic formula to find the value of the discrimant 2.Find quadratic equation on formula chart: 3.If there are two real number roots of the equation and the graph of the parabola crosses the x-axis at those roots 4.If there is a “multiple” or repeated root of the equation and the vertex of the graph of the parabola touches the x-axis at that root. 5. If the roots of the equation are imaginary numbers and the graph of the parabola does not intersect the x-axis STAAR Exit Level Math? (2012)

What tests will students take? Reading – 3 rd – 5 th Grade Math – 3 rd – 5 th Grade Writing – 4 th Grade Science – 5 th Grade

More Rigorous The questions are more complex and require more thinking. The things that are most important for the students to learn at a grade level will be asked more on the test. The test will be longer.

STAAR is longer Math (Gr. 3-5) = +6 questions Reading (Gr. 3-5) = +4 questions Writing (Gr. 4) = 2 compositions over 2 days Science = +4 questions

TAKS Item = 35 2.Bubble in “D” 1.60 x 70 = ÷ 175 = x 7 = Bubble in “G” STAAR Item

Time Limit STAAR test is limited to 4 hours Students will need to be able to manage their time, so they can finish the entire test.

Special Education What about tests for students served in special education? Accommodations will be allowed on STAAR. STAAR Modified will be available for students who meet the criteria. STAAR Alternate will be available for students who have significant cognitive disabilities.

Performance Standards Performance Labels Level I: Unsatisfactory Academic Performance Level II: Satisfactory Academic Performance Level III: Advanced Academic Performance PERFORMANCE

Scoring Reports Raw score reportsApril/May 2012 Standard settingFall 2012 Results with standards appliedJanuary 2013

DATES March 27 th –4 th Grade Writing Day 1 –5 th Grade Math March 28 th –4 th Grade Writing Day 2 –5 th Grade Reading April 24 th –3 rd & 4 th Grade Math April 25 th –3 rd and 4 th Grade Reading April 26 th –5 th Grade Science

Tips Students need to be well rested Keep your students calm – discuss the importance of the test, but do not stress them out. Protein-rich breakfast Well-balanced lunch Get students to school early No early dismissals No visitors on testing days

More information For More Information… Go to the STAAR Resources Webpage Read the updated STAAR Questions & Answers