What your state tests
Texas measures learning through the STAAR — the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, run by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). STAAR checks whether students have learned the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, the state standards) and, in high school, whether they're on track for college and careers. It was redesigned in 2022–23 and is now given online, with fewer multiple-choice questions and more writing and open-ended items.
Which tests, which grades
- STAAR grades 3–8Reading Language Arts (with writing built in) and Math every year in grades 3–8; Science in grades 5 & 8; Social Studies in grade 8. Spanish versions in grades 3–5.
- STAAR End-of-Course (EOC)Five high-school exams tied to courses: Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History.
- STAAR Alternate 2For eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities.
- TELPASA separate assessment of English proficiency for emergent bilingual/English-learner students.
Format & subjects
STAAR is online (with rare paper exceptions) and untimed (most finish within a school day). The redesign added new question types beyond multiple choice — a state law caps multiple-choice at no more than 75% of points — plus an extended constructed response (essay) on the reading/English tests. English I and English II combine reading and writing.
Is passing required to graduate?
Yes. To graduate, Texas students must meet the passing standard on the five EOC exams — Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History. Students who don't pass get additional retest opportunities and required accelerated instruction, and there are other pathways in certain cases (for example, an Individual Graduation Committee for eligible students). Grades 3–8 STAAR is not a diploma requirement, though some grades have promotion considerations.
How it's scored
STAAR reports performance in levels — commonly Did Not Meet, Approaches, Meets, and Masters Grade Level. "Approaches" is the basic passing bar for EOC graduation purposes; "Meets" and "Masters" signal stronger readiness. Online testing means faster results than the old paper test.
Testing windows
Grades 3–8 STAAR is given once each spring (no regular retest). EOC exams run in multiple windows across the year (typically spring, plus summer/fall retest opportunities) since students take them as they finish the matching course. Exact 2025–26 dates are set by TEA and your district — check the official testing calendar.
How to prepare
The best prep is the class itself, plus free official tools:
- STAAR released tests & practice siteTEA publishes released questions and an online practice platform that mirrors the real test — the single best way to get comfortable with the format
- Focus on writingThe extended constructed response (essay) carries real weight — practice reading a passage and writing an evidence-based response
- Use the online toolsPractice with the same on-screen tools and item types students will see
Participation & opting out
Texas law requires students in tested grades and courses to participate in STAAR, and Texas does not have a formal opt-out process. Talk to your campus about make-up testing and any questions.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Students with an IEP, 504 plan, or designated-supports plan receive documented accommodations (extra time, read-aloud, and more), and online testing expands what's available. Emergent bilingual students have linguistic accommodations and take TELPAS for English proficiency.
Accountability & promotion
STAAR results feed the state's A–F school accountability ratings, guide accelerated instruction for students below standard, and — at the EOC level — gate high-school graduation. Some grades use STAAR as one factor in promotion decisions.
Key facts
- TestSTAAR (online since 2022–23)
- Grades3–8 + high-school EOCs
- SubjectsRLA, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Grad requirementPass 5 EOCs
- StandardsTEKS
- AgencyTexas Education Agency (TEA)
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: