Who Takes the STAAR Exam?

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - September 21st, 2013

If you’re enrolled in a public high school in Texas then you are already familiar with the so-called STAAR exam or State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test. This standardized test took over the famous Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills or TAKS, which had been used by the state for years. It was in spring of 2012 when the STAAR was first administered. But who is required to take such test? Is every student in Texas required to take it?

Not all students take the STAAR exam though it’s mandated by the state. It is only administered to students in public primary and secondary schools in Texas. It is specially formulated by Pearson Education together with Texas Education Agency to determine how far the students have learned in each of their subjects in their specific grade level. Further, it tests the curriculum taught in public schools based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

Specifically, schools that are able to receive fund from Texas are obliged to administer the STAAR exam to all their students. Perhaps you’re wondering whether those who are in enrolled in private schools, home schools, or charter schools that didn’t receive funding from the state also take the test. The answer is no. They’re not required to do so but they can take the test if they want to by ordering straight from Pearson.

Though not everybody enrolled in public schools are happy to take the STAAR test, many schools are doing their best to help students pass it. There are those that conduct intensive review classes, provide review materials to students, and also get parent involved in helping students attain mastery of all their subject areas. These and more can greatly help them face the STAAR exam head on.

You can read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Texas_Assessments_of_Academic_Readiness