STAAR
What the assessment is
State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness
STAAR is the state’s annual academic assessment designed to measure student mastery of grade-level standards in reading, math, science, and social studies. Per the Texas Education Agency, students are required to take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) to measure academic performance at specific milestones throughout their school careers.
STAAR Alternate 2 (Alt 2) is an alternate assessment designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities who meet state participation requirements. It measures the same academic standards as STAAR, but in a simplified, accessible format.
EOC (End-of-Course) Assessments measure mastery of specific high school courses. Passing EOCs is a state graduation requirement.
Who takes it
STAAR
- Grades 3–8 Reading Language Arts (RLA)
- Grades 3–8 Math
- Grade 5 Science
- Grade 8 Science
- Grade 8 Social Studies
STAAR Alternate 2
- Students receiving special education services who meet state eligibility criteria
- Grades 3–8 (RLA & Math)
- Grades 5 and 8 Science
- Grade 8 Social Studies
- High school EOC equivalents
EOC (End-of-Course) Assessments
- Algebra I
- Biology
- English I
- English II
- U.S. History
Most students take these in the year they are enrolled in the course.
When it’s offered
Elementary and Junior High/Middle School Testing Dates:
| Grade Level | Math | Reading | Science | Social Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd grade | April 28 | April 14 | - | - |
| 4th grade | April 28 | April 14 | - | - |
| 5th grade | April 28 | April 14 | April 21 | - |
| 6th grade* | April 28 | April 14 | - | - |
| 7th grade* | April 23 | April 8 | - | - |
| 8th grade* | April 23 | April 8 | April 21 | April 16 |
- *Middle school students taking an EOC course should also reference the calendar below.
- 3/23/26 through 4/10/26 – STAAR Alternate 2 (for qualifying students)
STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) Exam Testing Dates:
| English I | English II | Algebra | Biology | US History |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 2 | December 4 | December 5 | December 3 | December 3 |
| April 23 | April 8 | April 21 | April 16 | April 16 |
| June 15 | June 16 | June 17 | June 18 | June 18 |
Registration process
Students enrolled in Texas public schools are automatically registered for STAAR, STAAR Alt 2 (if eligible), and EOC assessments.
Parents do not need to complete a separate registration form.
The receiving campus registers transfer students upon enrollment.
How results are shared
The TEA has created a parent portal that allows immediate access to state assessment history. This portal will make it easier for parents/guardians to access their child’s assessment history online quickly.
Parents can also access state assessment results by going through the RISD Focus Parent Portal.
Directions on a computer:
- Log in to the Focus Parent portal.
- Click your child’s name.
- Click Child Info.
- Click Assessment Rpt Cards.
- The section at the top of the screen is the Texas Test Scores section.
- Select Click here to go to the Texas Student Portal (available in English or Spanish).
Directions on a computer:
- Log in to the Focus Parent portal.
- Click the three lines beside Portal on the blue ribbon at the top of the page.
- Click your child’s name.
- Click Child Info.
- On the left side of the large blank box in the middle of the screen, click the arrow to open a menu.
- Click Assessment Rpt Cards.
- The section at the top of the screen is the Texas Test Scores section.
- Select Click here to go to the Texas Student Portal (available in English or Spanish).
STAAR Test Reporting
| Student Grade Level in the 2025-26 School Year | Subjects | Date Results are Available from the Spring 2026 STAAR Administration |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd grade | Reading, Math | June 16, 2026 |
| 4th grade | Reading, Math | June 16, 2026 |
| 5th grade | Reading, Math | June 16, 2026 |
| 6th grade | Reading, Math | June 16, 2026 |
| 7th grade | Reading, Math, Writing | June 16, 2026 |
| 8th grade | Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies | June 16, 2026 |
| EOC | Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, U.S. History | June 10, 2026 |
HB 1416 Accelerated Instruction Requirements
State-Mandated Tutoring for Students Who Do Not Pass STAAR
House Bill 1416, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023, outlines new requirements for accelerated instruction for students who do not meet grade-level expectations on any STAAR assessment.
The goal of HB 1416 is to ensure that students receive targeted, timely support that helps them build the skills needed for future academic success.
Who Must Receive Accelerated Instruction
By state law, accelerated instruction is required for:
- Any student who does not achieve “Approaches Grade Level” or higher on a STAAR assessment, and
- Any student who does not take the STAAR test (because there is no passing score on record)
This applies to all STAAR-tested subjects and grade levels (grades 3–8 and EOCs).
Resources
Contact Information
- Jill Horton, Director of Assessment
- 469-593-4555
Parent FAQs
Some grades include promotion requirements (e.g., 5th and 8th grade), but districts offer multiple support opportunities. Campus staff can provide guidance
Yes. Students must meet passing standards on Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History.
Campuses provide make-up testing within the state’s testing window.
STAAR assessments are untimed, but most students finish within the school day.
Yes, if the accommodations are documented in their IEP, 504 plan, or designated supports plan.
The STAAR Report Card provides performance levels, progress measures, and recommended next steps.
The passing standard for STAAR assessments is Approaches Grade Level. A student who scores Master’s Grade Level or Meets Grade Level has also passed the STAAR test, but a student who scores within Did Not Meet Grade Level has not passed. More specific information about the passing standards is available on the STAAR Performance Standards webpage.
No. State law makes it clear that students may not opt out of tests, including standardized tests.
The complete Texas Education Code section 26.010 states: EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION. (a) A parent is entitled to remove the parent’s child temporarily from a class or other school activity that conflicts with the parent’s religious or moral beliefs if the parent presents or delivers to the teacher of the parent’s child a written statement authorizing the removal of the child from the class or other school activity. A parent is not entitled to remove the parent’s child from a class or other school activity to avoid a test or to prevent the child from taking a subject for an entire semester. (b) This section does not exempt a child from satisfying grade-level or graduation requirements in a manner acceptable to the school district and the agency.If parents have concerns about their child taking a STAAR exam(s), their first step should be to meet with the campus principal to discuss their concerns. In most cases, concerns about testing can be resolved through a conversation. We can often provide information that alleviates some concerns and addresses possible misconceptions. We strongly encourage this conversation to take place as early in the school year as possible, so we can work together to put the best possible plan in place for each of our students.