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STAAR and STAAR EOC
STAAR is a standardized test that students take at milestones during their schooling.
Students in Texas are required to take the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR). The STAAR test measures academic performance to make sure students are learning the material they are taught.
The STAAR is given during three assessment windows - spring, summer, winter (see the Testing Calendar). State legislation says scores must be given to a district within 30 days of taking the test. We distribute the test scores as soon as possible after we've received them.
At the elementary and middle school levels, the STAAR program assesses:
- reading and mathematics for all students in grades 3-8
- science for students in grades 5 and 8
- social studies for students in grade 8
For high school students there are five STAAR end-of-course (EOC) assessments:
- English I
- English II
- Algebra I*
- Biology
- U.S. History
*Middle school students enrolled in Alegra I will take the STAAR EOC.
In addition to other graduation requirements, five EOC tests must be passed before a student can graduate. See the Graduation Requirements page for additional information.
Request a paper test
H.B. 1225 allows the option to request a paper STAAR assessment by families and subject area teachers. Paper tests are limited to 3% of students taking each test.
Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and must be made by the deadlines:
- Fall STAAR: Sept. 15
- Spring STAAR: Dec. 1
Be sure to fill out a form for each student who needs a paper test. Requests are not needed for students who require a paper test due to a disability.
Questions? Contact Courtney Clearfield, District Testing Coordinator.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Expand AllHow can students prepare for the EOC tests?
The most important thing students can do is keep up with class assignments and homework.
Additional study time and attending tutorials can help to increase understanding of the course materials.
Students are encouraged to get help as soon as they realize they are having trouble with a particular part of the course content.
What is the district doing to help prepare students?
Quality teaching of course content by our exceptional teachers is the fundamental preparation for student success on these tests.
To supplement class instruction, we have purchased online courseware for the EOC courses. Students who need additional help can complete online lessons that correspond to the same content covered in class. These lessons can be done at home, or anywhere with Internet access. Contact your teacher for more information.
Can students retake the test?
Yes. Students must continue to retake each EOC exam required for graduation until they meet "Approaches Grade Level" passing standards.
What happens if a student fails one of the STAAR EOC tests?
Teachers/Counselors may recommend pre-registration for Intersession to those students whose semester grades and classroom performance are less than satisfactory.
Students who fail one of the EOC tests will be notified in time to register for the Intersession that will be held prior to the July retest date.
Tests, where the "Approaches Grade Level" score is not met, must be retaken until satisfactory performance is achieved; however, it may not be necessary to retake a course. Your counselor will work with you to determine your options for remedial classes and resources as well as any schedule changes that might be required.
Where can I find more information about the STAAR assessment?
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides extensive information on its STAAR resources page.
Discover more on testing programs
Contact us
For more information about STAAR testing in Garland ISD, contact: