With the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness exams beginning on Tuesday, students will take the multi-faceted test depending on grade level. To graduate, students are required to pass the Algebra 1, Biology, English 1 and 2, and U.S. History end of course exams.

What is STAAR testing used for?

Assistant Principal Michelle Lux: “STAAR testing is used to measure how well students have learned the knowledge and skills in the TEKS. It helps schools, districts, and the state see how students are performing and where they may need more support. For some grade levels, STAAR scores are also used to determine whether a student moves on to the next grade or graduate.”

English II teacher Emily Wieman: “STAAR testing is used mostly to ensure that our students are meeting Texas-defined standards. This does vary from state to state because each state has different things they want their students to have and succeed in. STAAR is what Texas thinks is valuable in that point and time.”

Algebra I teacher Tracy Stephens: “The state of Texas uses STAAR testing to help grade schools. It holds schools accountable for what instruction is given [to students].”

What are the pros of STAAR testing?

Lux: “It provides a standard way to measure student learning across the state and districts. It can help identify gaps in learning and help guide instruction. Results are used to hold schools accountable and ensure all students receive the best education possible.

Wieman: “There are pros to STAAR testing. It allows us to have an unbiased measure of how our students are preforming. Then we know where we’re struggling, where we need to improve, and which students are struggling.”

Algebra I teacher Tracy Stephens: “STAAR testing gives everyone a consistent measure or marker across the state. That way we have an apples-to-apples comparison of how students are doing across the state.”

What are the cons of STAAR testing?

Lux: “It can create stress and anxiety for students and teachers. One test may not fully reflect a student’s abilities or growth. The focus on preparing for STAAR can sometimes take away from deeper, more meaningful and engaging learning experiences. Teachers may feel pressured to “teach to the test,” limiting opportunities for creativity and critical thinking in the classroom.”

Wieman: “As for the cons of STAAR testing, you have to wonder who determines what matters and what does not matter. We have to wonder what that means for our students.”

Algebra I teacher Tracy Stephens: “At the highschool level, freshmen, take three STAAR tests in very close proximity to each other. Sophomores take one. Juniors take one. Froma  campus perspective, to put that much accountability on your freshmen class is a little disproportionate to all of the other wonderful things that a campus does over the course of a students’ four years of time here.”

Are there consequences to repeated failures?

Lux: “It depends on the grade level. If a student fails, there are opportunities to retest until they pass, and schools often provide extra support to help students improve. In high school, the majority of students are expected to pass the Algebra 1, English 1 & II, Biology, and US History tests.”

Wieman: “There aren’t necessarily consequences. You would just have to keep retaking it until you pass. It does impact our funding as a school, so there are more consequences to the community rather than the individual student.”

Algebra I teacher Tracy Stephens: “From the perspective of Algebra I, if you are unsuccessful, on the STAAR test in May, you have another opportunity to take it again in the summer and another opportunity in December. There are three chances per year to take and pass the STAAR test.”

What are the consequences for students caught cheating?

Lux: “Cheating on STAAR is taken very seriously. Students who are caught may have their test scores invalidated, and the incident is reported to the state. Depending on the situation, Administrators may also apply disciplinary consequences like in school suspension.”

How are teachers chosen to be proctors?

Lux: “Teachers are typically assigned to proctor STAAR tests by campus administrators. All proctors must be a certified teacher and have complete training to ensure they understand the rules and procedures. LHS works hard to spread out responsibilities fairly and make sure students are supervised during testing. It is a huge undertaking.”

Wieman: “It’s supper random. It’s based on our schedules and our free periods. It’s very unbiased, like ‘if they’re open, put them in a room.’”