STAAR TESTING INFORMATION

The State mandated curriculum for Texas public schools is the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).  For the past several years the State has tested students using the TAKS test, or the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills; however, the TAKS test has now been replaced with the new State Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR).  The STAAR test will be used for the first time in the 2011/12 school year.  We have been told that the new test will be a more "rigorous" test, and that it will require students to think at higher levels.  It will now also be a timed test, where the TAKS was not timed. 

GRADES/SUBJECTS TESTED IN 2011/12:

Reading - Grades 3, 4 and 5
Math - Grades 3, 4 and 5
Writing - Grade 4
Science - Grade 5

STAAR TEST DATES FOR 2011/12:

March 27 -   5th Grade Math
                     4th Grade Writing - Day 1
March 28 -   5th Grade Reading
                     4th Grade Writing - Day 2
April 24 -      3rd/4th Grade Math
April 25 -      3rd/4th Grade Reading
April 26 -      5th Grade Science                      

TEST TAKING TIPS:

1.  Get a good night of sleep the night before the test.
2.  Eat a good breakfast and drink a lot of water.
3.  Check back over your answers - the test is not timed.
4.  Use the test taking strategies that your teachers have taught you.
5.  Focus and read every question very carefully to determine what it is asking.

TEST HELP:

There are study guides available for print from the Texas Education Agency website.  The elementary school will also offer an after-school tutorial program for students in need of assistance starting in October 2011.