Middle School Testing

Students Required to Take STAAR 3–8 Assessments

Students in grades 6 through 8 are required to take the assessments for specific subjects depending on grade level.

Subjects Requiring STAAR 3–8 Assessments

Grade 8—Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies

Student Performance

After each STAAR assessment is taken, students receive a score indicating performance. A student’s performance will fall into one of three categories:

Level I—Unsatisfactory Academic Performance

Level II—Satisfactory Academic Performance

Level II—Advanced Academic Performance

Time Limits

TEA established a four-hour time limit for STAAR in grades 6 through 8. TEA notes that a four-hour time limit should provide sufficient time for the majority of students to complete the test. These time limits were adopted to align Texas testing practices with time state and national assessments such as SAT, ACT and AP examinations. Extended time accomindations for students with unique learning needs are offered.

Grade Advancement and High School Credit

The Student Success Initiative requires that students in grade 8 pass both the reading and math exams to be promoted to the next grade. Retesting opportunities are available in May and June if necessary.

Students in the middle school grades who are enrolled in high school courses will take the associated EOC exam instead of the STAAR test offered at the student's grade level. For example, an eighth-grade student enrolled in high school Algebra I would take the Algebra I EOC exam instead of the eighth-grade STAAR Mathematics test. He or she also would take the STAAR tests in Reading, Science and Social Studies required during the eighth grade.