The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR):

What You Need to Know

Feb. 16, 2012

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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What we’ll cover tonightWhat we’ll cover tonight

Overview of STAAR Some frequently asked questions Your questions

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Before we begin …Before we begin …

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A new accountability system A new accountability system starts this yearstarts this year

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STAAR transition planSTAAR transition plan

Grades 3-8

Grade 9

Grade 10

Grade 11

Grade 12 & out-of-school

2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

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What is the STAAR test?What is the STAAR test?

A new statewide testing system for elementary, middle, and high school students. Like TAKS, it is based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). STAAR is designed to measure a student’s college and career readiness.

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What is the STAAR test?What is the STAAR test?

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How is STAAR different?How is STAAR different?

Time limit None Four hours

Performance categories

Did not meet standard.Met standard.Commended performance.

Level I – Unsatisfactory Academic PerformanceLevel II – Satisfactory Academic PerformanceLevel III – Advanced Academic Performance

GraduationRequirements

Four exit-level tests

End-of-course exams (EOCs) for 12 high school courses

Rigor Multiple steps with some open-ended questions

High level of cognitive complexity, multiple steps, critical analysis, open-ended questions

Goal Measure student achievement

Measure college and career readiness; make Texas students more competitive nationally and internationally

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Is STAAR more difficult Is STAAR more difficult than the TAKS test?than the TAKS test?

STAAR will assess students’ knowledge in a deeper way. Questions are:

More complex Open-ended Focused on critical thinking

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Is STAAR more difficult Is STAAR more difficult than the TAKS test?than the TAKS test?

Also, the STAAR test is timed – students will have four hours to complete the tests.

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Example: STAAR question Example: STAAR question (Grade 3 Math)(Grade 3 Math)

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Example: STAAR question Example: STAAR question (World Geography EOC)(World Geography EOC)

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How will performance be How will performance be measured?measured?

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What tests will my child take?What tests will my child take?

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Measuring performance in Measuring performance in elementary and middle schoolelementary and middle school

All tests will be scored and reported, and a raw score will be returned.

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Measuring performance in Measuring performance in elementary and middle schoolelementary and middle school

Students may be required to attend summer school or take remedial courses based on their performance; therefore, it is critical that students do their very best and take their performance on each STAAR assessment seriously.

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Measuring performance in Measuring performance in elementary and middle schoolelementary and middle school

A student’s performance on the STAAR test may determine placement in pre-AP classes for middle school.

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Preparing for STAAR testing in Preparing for STAAR testing in elementary and middle schoolelementary and middle school

All HISD middle and elementary schools have been working diligently to prepare students for the rigor of STAAR assessments. All schools are offering multiple opportunities for students to receive additional support, and we would ask your support in encouraging your child to take advantage of all opportunities being presented.

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Looking ahead to high school: Looking ahead to high school: What is an EOC?What is an EOC?

Math English Science Social Studies

Algebra I English I(Reading & Writing)

Biology World Geography

Geometry English II(Reading & Writing)

Chemistry World History

Algebra II English III(Reading & Writing)

Physics U.S. History

High school students will take 12 STAAR end-of-course assessments developed in foundation subjects.

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Three important considerations Three important considerations about EOCsabout EOCs

Students must achieve a minimum score.

Students must also meet the cumulative score requirement in each of the four foundation subjects.

1:2:

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Three important considerations Three important considerations about EOCsabout EOCs

The score a student receives on a STAAR EOC assessment is required to count for 15% of the student’s final grade in the course.*

Student’s FINAL GRADE

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* State is considering delaying this requirement

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The bottom line:The bottom line:

A student’s performance on a STAAR EOC can affect GPA and class rank.

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Cumulative score requirementCumulative score requirement

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What accommodations are What accommodations are available?available?

Accommodations during testing will be available for students who:

Receive special education services Are identified for support under Section 504 Who have a specific need and meet TEA criteria for certain accommodations

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What test versions are available?What test versions are available?

Spanish versions for eligible English Language Learners in grades 3-5 Linguistically accommodated versions of STAAR, called STAAR L STAAR Modified and STAAR Alternate for Special Education students

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How can I help my child prepare How can I help my child prepare for the STAAR test?for the STAAR test?

Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher or principal. Ask if there are exercises that can be done at home to help reinforce what your child is learning in preparation for the STAAR test. Emphasize the importance of participating in school daily Monitor your child’s progress on Parent Student Connect Know the STAAR testing schedule and make sure your child gets adequate rest and eats breakfast on the morning of the test. Encourage your child to do his or her best. Express confidence that he or she will do well.

Resources for youResources for you

Check dates, info: houstonisd.org/STAAR

Post your questions: hisdstaar.wordpress.com

Follow on Twitter: @HISDSTAAR

Upcoming STAAR eventsUpcoming STAAR events

Live parent forums on HISD-TV: Feb. 28, 7-8 p.m. (English) March 6, 7-8 p.m. (Spanish) Watch LIVE on HISD-TV (Comcast, Ch. 18 & AT&T U-verse, Ch. 99) and online at www.houstonisd.org/HISDTV

Questions