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STAAR Redesign

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The STAAR redesign is a result of House Bill (HB) 3906 passed by the 86th Texas Legislature in 2019. The Texas Education Agency (TEA), working with a wide range of education stakeholders, including the Assessment Education Advisory Committee, has been exploring the most instructionally supportive approach to implementing these changes. The redesign will be implemented in the state summative assessments administered in the 2022–2023 school year.

The STAAR redesign includes several components: 

For more information about how the STAAR redesign improves alignment to the classroom experience, hear what teachers are saying, reference the STAAR Redesign February 2022 Presentation (PDF, posted 3/7/22), or see below for more information about each component. For answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ), please reference the STAAR Redesign FAQ (PDF, updated 8/30/22).

HB3906 Video Series: STAAR Redesign Overview

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the state summative assessment redesign?

    The state summative assessment redesign is a result of House Bill (HB) 3906 passed by the 86th Texas
    Legislature in 2019. The Texas Education Agency (TEA), working with a wide range of education
    stakeholders, including the Assessment Education Advisory Committee, has been exploring the most
    instructionally supportive approach to implementing these changes. The redesign will be implemented
    in the state summative assessments administered in the 2022–23 school year. This redesign includes
    several components:

     

    • New types of test questions: New, non-multiple-choice question types are more like the kind of
    questions teachers ask in class and give students more ways to show understanding.
    • Tests administered online: An online format allows students to receive accommodations like
    they get in the classroom and provides faster test results to support accelerated learning.
    • More cross-curricular reading passages: Reading comprehension test questions reference
    topics students have learned about in other classes.
    • Writing incorporated into reading language arts tests: Combined reading and writing tests
    better support the interconnected way these subjects are taught and eliminate stand-alone
    writing tests for grades 4 and 7.

  • As specified in HB 3906 requirements, the redesign will be fully implemented in the 2022–23 school year. 

  • Beginning with the December 2022 test administration, Texas students will be required to take the summative assessments online. However, students with extenuating circumstances that prevent them from testing online may qualify for a special administration on paper. More information about special administrations on paper will be made available soon.


    Given the unique needs of students with significant cognitive disabilities, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Alternate 2 program is excluded from the electronic testing requirement and will continue to be administered in the format that is most appropriate for each student.

  • There are two calculators embedded in the online testing system; students may choose to use one or both options during the test:
    • Texas Instruments (TI) 84 Plus CE
    • Desmos

  • Calculators are not permitted for students taking the grades 3–7 mathematics assessments or the grade 5 science assessment unless the student meets certain eligibility criteria. Information regarding calculators as a designated support for students with disabilities can be found on the Accommodation Resources webpage. Calculators are not permitted for students taking the grades 3–7 mathematics assessments or the grade
    5 science assessment unless the student meets certain eligibility criteria. Information regarding calculators as a designated support for students with disabilities can be found on the Accommodation Resources webpage.

Resources to Support New Question Types