From TAKS to STAAR

Grades 3-5

Parent Information

What is STAAR? State of Texas Assessments of Academic

Readiness Replaces the Texas Assessment of Knowledge

and Skills (TAKS) Will assess the content standards at a greater

depth and at a higher level of complexity than TAKS

Ultimate goal is to graduate students who are college and career ready.

Content Standards - TEKS STAAR will test the content standards called the

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) . The TEKS have been divided into the following

standards: READINESS standards SUPPORTING standards

Process Skills have also been identified in Social Studies, Math, and Science. These will be tested with the content standards

(Readiness or Supporting).

Readiness vs. Supporting Standards

Readiness StandardsAre essential for success in the current grade or courseAre important for preparedness for the next grade or courseSupport college and career readinessAddress broad and deep concepts, skills, and ideas

Supporting StandardsAlthough introduced and/or reinforced in the current grade or course, they may be emphasized in a subsequent year.They play a role in preparing students for the next grade or course but not a central role.They address more narrowly defined ideas.

Readiness vs. Supporting Standards

Readiness Supporting

STAAR Elementary Grades and Subjects Grades 3

Mathematics Reading

Grade 4 Mathematics Reading Writing

Grade 5 Mathematics Reading Science

STAAR Compared to TAKS Four hour time limit. More questions at most grade levels and

subjects Reading

Greater emphasis on critical analysis (inferences) than to literal understanding.

Writing Required to write two essays Test given over two days.

STAAR Compared to TAKS Mathematics and Science

Number of open-ended (griddable) items will increase

75% of questions will assess Content (Readiness or Supporting Standard ) and Process Skill.

Performance Categories

Level I: Unsatisfactory Academic Performance Level II: Satisfactory Academic Performance Level III: Advanced Academic Performance

Student Success Initiative Requirements for 2011-12:

Grades 3 – 8 will not have performance standards (i.e. passing rate) in place by Spring 2012.

No State SSI requirements for the 2011–2012 school year.

Promotion decisions based on TEC §28.021(a), "a student may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement or demonstrated proficiency of the subject matter of the course or grade level.“

STATE SSI Requirements return in 2012-13

How will grade promotion be determined in WOISD for 2011-2012?

State / Local assessment scores Teacher recommendations Student grades Other local district requirements (i.e.

attendance)

Elementary Testing Dates Tuesday, March 27

Grade 4 Writing (Day 1) and Grade 5 Math  Wednesday, March 28

Grade 4 Writing (Day 2) and Grade 5 Reading Tuesday, April 24

Grade 3 & 4 Math Wednesday, April 25

Grade 3 & 4 Reading Thursday, April 26

Grade 5 Science

How are we preparing for STAAR? District- and Campus-Level Professional

Development Curriculum Collaboration & Alignment Instructional Materials & Resources Local Policy and Regulation Revisions Parent Information on WOISD Blog

What can you do?

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.

Familiarize yourself with the test and go over sample questions with your child.

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/parents/

Emphasize the importance of participating in school daily.

What can you do?

Know the STAAR testing schedule and avoid making appointments on that day. Make sure your child gets adequate rest and eats a healthy 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.

Encourage your child to read a variety of all kinds (genres) of text: books of all kinds, magazines, plays, poetry, newspapers, etc.

Online resources Texas Education Agency’s STAAR website:

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/parents/

Education Service Center Region VII, STAAR Content Specific Information Videos

http://edtech.esc7.net/STAAR/Elem/player.html

Grade 3 Math - Sample Question

Melissa had some money in her purse when she went to the mall with her mother. She spent $5 on a book. Then her mother gave her $10. After Melissa spent $2 on a snack, she had $23 in her purse. How much money did Melissa have in her purse when she first went to the mall? Mark your answer.

A $26 B $17 C* $20 D $6

This question assesses Content Skill 3.3B and Process Skill 3.14C.

The table below shows Mrs. Fisher’s supplies for her art class. How many bottles of glue and packs of paper does Mrs. Fisherhave?

Grade 4 Math - Sample Question

Grade 5 Math - Sample Question