The state tests explained for Texas parents
Texas students take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR): reading language arts and math in grades 3 to 8, science in grades 5 and 8, social studies in grade 8, and end-of-course tests in high school. The tests are separate from the report card. Texas passed a law in 2025 to replace the grades 3 to 8 tests with three shorter tests during the year, starting in the 2027–28 school year.
The state tests at a glance
- Who takes them
- Reading language arts and math: grades 3 to 8. Science: grades 5 and 8. Social studies: grade 8. In high school, end-of-course tests in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology and US History. Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may take STAAR Alternate 2.
- What they cover
- STAAR checks the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the grade or course. Reading tests include short written answers and an essay, and math tests include real-world problems.
- When
- Students test online, mostly in the spring. TEA sets the testing windows each year, and districts choose dates within them.
- How results are described
- Scores are reported in four levels: Masters Grade Level, Meets Grade Level, Approaches Grade Level and Did Not Meet Grade Level. Families can see results online through the Texas Assessment family portal.
- What's changing
- House Bill 8 (2025) replaces STAAR in grades 3 to 8 with three shorter tests a year, at the beginning, middle and end of the year, from 2027–28. Check TEA's website or ask your school for the current plan.
- Report card link
- State test scores don't change your child's report card grades, though a high school end-of-course test can count toward graduation. They are one more snapshot for families, teachers and schools.
Dates and details change from year to year. Your school and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) have the current information.
How to help your child feel ready
- Keep routines simple: regular sleep, a good breakfast and a calm morning.
- Read together often, then ask your child to retell what happened and explain why.
- Encourage short daily writing: a journal entry, a note or a list with reasons.
- Practice math with real problems (shopping, cooking, travel times) as well as math facts.
- Tell your child the tests show what they know. They are not something to fail.
Practice the grade-level skills with Gradelings: 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade.
Common questions
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness is Texas's set of state tests. It includes reading language arts and math in grades 3 to 8, science in grades 5 and 8, social studies in grade 8, and end-of-course tests in high school.
In grades 3 to 8 it's being replaced. House Bill 8, signed in 2025, moves Texas to three shorter tests during the year (beginning, middle and end) starting in the 2027–28 school year. Details are still being worked out, so check TEA's website or ask your school.
State tests are required in Texas, and the state doesn't offer an opt-out like some states do. If you have concerns, talk with your child's school about accommodations and what the results are used for.
No. They are separate. Your child's report card describes learning in class through the year, using the grades your district chooses.
Gradelings practices the math, reading, science and social studies skills in the TEKS with kind feedback and no timers unless you want them. It isn't a copy of the state tests and doesn't predict a score.
Also see: Texas report cards explained and Process skills.
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