STAAR Test Passing Scores Needed for 2024 (by Grade Level)

by Sarah Duncan

The State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test is a series of assessments given to 3rd graders to 8th graders to test their core subject ability.

Each year, schools administer the tests to students. The results offer an analytic conclusion on how the students are performing. It helps schools formulate and reevaluate their teaching strategies, resources, and teaching staff quality.

Take the STAAR Practice Test to improve your score.

Undoubtedly, the STAAR test is a major indicator of how each student is doing academically. Students with a subpar performance may be sent to after-school tutorials or makeup classes.

The content of the STAAR test varies from grade to grade. To understand the test the best way, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the flow and what you need to pass the test.

Male teacher explaining to the students in the classroom

What Score Do You Need To Pass The Staar Test?

The results are divided into four categories:

  • Masters Grade Level (passing)
  • Meets Grade Level (passing)
  • Approaches Grade Level (passing)
  • Did Not Meet Grade Level (not passing)

How is student performance described on STAAR? There are three cut scores on STAAR assessments, which separate student performance into four categories.

The passing score of the STAAR test may vary each year depending on the performance of students and the corresponding percentile.

In general, you will need to score at least 25% to 35% in each subject to pass the test.

Each year, students receive a scorecard on how they have done on the STAAR test. On the card, students will find the percentile they fall into this year and how has their performance changed from last year.

Although you can still pass with a mere 35%, you will need at least 55% to have met the requirements. Students scoring over 89% are Masters in the respective subjects and the elites in their grade.

Students who fail the STAAR test will be given two more opportunities to take it. Only those who can pass the test will be promoted to the next grade.

Therefore, the STAAR test is an important evaluation of students’ academic performance. The passing rate also reflects the quality of the teaching staff and the school resources available.

Take the STAAR Practice Test

What is in the STAAR test?

The STAAR test covers the basic subjects in each grade.

  • Grade 3 students will take math and reading tests
  • Grade 4 students will take math, writing, and reading tests
  • Grade 5 students have to take math, reading, and science tests
  • Grade 6 students take math and reading tests
  • Grade 7 will need to take math, reading, and writing tests
  • Grade 8 students will take math, reading, science, and social studies tests.

The tests will be administered on several consecutive school days with one test per day, usually in April.

Each test aims to assess students’ corresponding knowledge in the field. The STAAR test is an indicator of your proficiency in the subject, and it decides whether the student can be moved up to the next grade or not next academic year.

Here are the main categories in the STAAR test:

Math test:

Students will need to demonstrate their numerical reasoning and understanding of basic math concepts.

The test consists of multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions for students of all grades.

Senior students will be given more advanced math questions that involve geometric calculation, spatial reasoning, data analysis, formulas with variables, and more.

Reading test:

Several articles will be given to students. Based on the content, students will answer questions about the theme, message, and purpose of the article.

The main purpose is to see students’ ability to articulate and construct a meaningful answer.

Your comprehension skill is also assessed. Some information you need may not be directly written in the article, but it is subtly hinted at. Students have to distill down the respective information to present the answer in a logical manner.

Take the STAAR Practice Test

Science test:

According to the grade, students are tested on scientific concepts, formulas, and applications in real life.

The topics included correspond to the required coverage set by the educational bureau in each school year.

Younger students will answer questions relating to basic science, while older students are required to do calculations and explanations of scientific phenomena.

The test will also be divided into topics such as biology, physics, and chemistry, and logical reasoning and research skills are evaluated.

A reference sheet with scientific formulas and the periodic table is given so students do not need to memorize them.

Social studies test:

Social studies involve a wide range of topics about cultural heritage, American history, wars, acts and treaties, and more.

The test contains multiple-choice questions only. Students need to familiarize themselves with American history and the elements that make up the country.

Since social studies covers a variety of topics, the test is made according to the syllabus set by the education bureau that year.

High school tests:

High school tests are required for students who entered the 9th grade in the 2011-2012 school year or later.

They must take and pass certain required courses and EOC (end-of-course) assessments to be eligible for graduation from a Texas public high school.

These courses are English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and US History.

However, if a student takes and passes any of these EOC assessments in middle school, those scores will also count toward their state testing requirements for graduation from high school.

Take the STAAR Practice Test

How to pass the STAAR test?

  • Take practice tests

There is no better way to ace a test than to practice it several times. TestPrep Online is an online resource library with all the study materials and preparation guides you need to pass the STAAR test.

It provides more than a standard textbook exam. Its practice tests are designed according to the STAAR test structure. Each test is formulated after experts review the education structure. The practice test is designed so each student can familiarise themselves with the answer key and locate keywords in the questions.

  • Revise study materials early on:

Don’t wait until the last minute to study. Give your brain enough time to absorb the abundance of information and answering tactics. Divide the syllabus into multiple sections and prepare for the test early on.

Break down the study process by subject or by the school term. Highlight the main topics taught as they are likely to take a heavier portion in the test.

Understand the content of each subject: Since the test focuses on students’ ability to apply formulas and skills, you will need to be versatile with the knowledge. Memorizing the textbook word for word will not suffice.

Take the time to fully understand how each formula functions and do exercises on your logical reasoning skills. You will need to justify your answers to the open-ended questions. Your communication and presentation skills are tested. Therefore, you will need to have a full understanding of each subject.

  • Time yourself:

Calculate how much time you can allocate for each question. Set a maximum time limit you can spend on one question and do not go over the limit unless it’s absolutely necessary. The more time you spend on one question, the less time you have for others.

You should always have the time to go over each question twice. If you are in a rush, read each question once and pick the questions that you are confident about. Leave the difficult questions till the end.

  • Get plenty of rest:

A fresh mind always brightens up the day and injects you with better memory skills. Don’t pull an all-nighter the day before the exam. Sleep well and rejuvenate your body with energy.

Take the STAAR Practice Test

Summary

The STAAR test is a mandatory test for a student to be promoted to the next grade. You need to give your best to prove your academic achievements. Before you start panicking, follow the above study guide and get your full practice test set on TestPrep Online so you can ace the upcoming STAAR test.

Recommended Reading

FAQs

What happens if you fail the STAAR test?

If you fail the STAAR test, you will be given two more chances to take the test and pass.

If you do not pass on the second or third time, you will most likely be held back from moving up to the next grade in the following year.

Although this can seem scary, there are remediation programs that can help address why it is that you are failing to help you for the next year.

What STAAR tests do you need to graduate high school?

To graduate high school, you need to pass a range of STAAR EOC (end of course) assessments. Normally, these are English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History in order to be eligible for graduation.

For students in more advanced courses such as DAP (distinguished achievement program), you will also need English III, Algebra II, Chemistry, and Physics to complete this program.

When do you take the STAAR test?

The STAAR tests usually take place around April in the spring semester of the school year.

They take place over a few weeks depending on the grade level and over a variety of subjects. You will take the STAAR tests from 3rd grade through to 8th grade, with additional high school testing as you move up grade levels.

What grades take the STAAR test?

STAAR testing starts in the 3rd grade and continues through to the 8th grade. Once you enter high school, EOC exams (end-of-course exams) are required to continue grade levels and eventually for high school graduation.

The EOC exams are important for assessing student’s academic performance and whether or not they are ready to move on to the next level.

What subjects are tested by the STAAR test?

STAAR tests encompass a variety of subjects, changing throughout the grade levels.

The regular subjects for STAAR testing are: English, Math, Science, Reading, Writing, and Social Studies, depending on the grade you are in. The higher your grade, the more subjects the test will likely encompass.