The Texas STAAR Test!

Here at Crystal Children & Teacher Supply in Sugar Land, TX we know that local Houston schools are scrambling to get ready for the upcoming new standardized test. This new test is called the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) and will be implemented into the 2011-2012 school year for grades 3-8 and exit level.

The STAAR is taking over our previous test TAKS which has been installed since 2003. Previous to the TAKS we had the TAAS (which reigned for over 10 years from 1990-2002), the TEAMS (from years 1986-1990) and the TABS (from years 1980-1985). The new tests will be significantly more rigorous than previous tests and will measure a child’s performance, as well as academic growth. A report from the Texas Education Agency states that the “STAAR will represent a more unified, comprehensive assessment program that will incorporate more rigorous college and career readiness standards”.

The STAAR test will be intended for college and career readiness rather than minimum skills will be the focus for older students. Students will have less opportunity to guess at multiple choice questions as more open-ended items appear on tests, particularly in math and science, requiring students to come up with original answers. You can view what objectives the STAAR will cover here at the TEA’s (Texas Education Agency) website located here.

Although your child or student is over a year away from having to take this brand new test, it’s good to start preparing and here at CRYSTAL Children & Teacher Supply we can help you do just that. Come into one of our two locations located in Sugar Land or Houston and ask one of our employees about the test. We can provide you and your child all the information you’ll need to start preparing! Check back soon for information regarding STAAR testing resources.