1. Landing on a STAAR Making STAAR work for us.

2. Where do we find STAAR Resources? Open a Google search. In the search bar, type “STAAR Resources” What is the first link you see?

3. TEA Website TEA stands for: – Texas – Education – Agency TEA designs the STAAR test every year. STAAR stands for: – State of – Texas – Assessments of – Academic – Readiness

4. How can we be STAAR ready? Knowledge, Knowledge, Knowledge – Understanding what’s expected on STAAR will help you score well on the exam. – When you understand what is expected, you have a calm, educated attitude toward the exam. – When you are calm and have a plan, you can take the STAAR with confidence. – When you are confident, you will score much higher!

5. What are the basics of the 7 th Grade STAAR Writing Exam? How many days do I have to take the STAAR? – The STAAR Writing Exam is divided into 2 days. How many hours each day does the STAAR last? – 4 Hours What happens if I don’t finish in time? – Your STAAR will be scored based on what you complete within the time allowed.

6. What Does the STAAR Look Like? On the TEA website, under STAAR General Resources, in the section titled “Grades 3-8 Assessments,” click the link marked “Released Test Questions.” http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/ From this page, under “Test Forms,” next to Grade 7, click “2013 Writing.” – A document will download, when you open the document, you will see that this is the released STAAR test from 2013. This shows you exactly what the exam will look like.

7. Let’s Get Down to Writing

8. STAAR Writing Specifics How many essays do I have to write? – 2: 1 essay on each exam day. – 1 Personal Narrative, 1 Expository essay How many lines are given to write on? – 26 Do I have to use all of the lines given? – No, but use as many as you can. Specific details will give your essay more substance. Can I write more than the lines given? – No. You are not allowed to write on the back, or outside of the box/lines given. Can I double up my writing on the lines given? – No. Use the extra pages in the test booklet to plan and draft to make sure your essay will fit.

9. How do I know what is expected in my essay?

10. Categories Scored Organization/Progression – Is the story organized so that the reader can follow it from beginning to end? – Does is progress logically, are details in the right order? Development of Ideas – Are the ideas developed? – Can the reader see my story as if they are in it? Use of Language/Conventions – Are all of the words used/spelled correctly? – Have I punctuated my story correctly? – Have I used proper grammar? To see a full description of each score point, please visit http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/writing/ and click on Grade 7 Writing April 2013 Personal Narrative Scoring GuideApril 2013 Personal Narrative Scoring Guide