Updated November 20, 2023
Written by Hayley Ashworth
What Is the STAAR Test?
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR test) tests are academic progress tests that test for knowledge instead of raw aptitude.
They are used only in Texas and help high school students progress through grades at the right pace and level.
The STAAR assessments include test questions on:
- Algebra
- Biology
- US History
- Reading and Writing
Furthermore, the STAAR exams are administered in high school in public school and are geared towards assessing your readiness to graduate.
The Upper-Level tests are also often referred to as the STAAR EOC and can be taken anytime during high school.
Additionally, the STAAR EOC tests are administered during the spring, summer or fall and should be taken as close as possible to the end of the corresponding course.
You have three chances each school year to pass these tests.
The earlier you take a course, the more chances you have to pass. For example, if you take a course in freshman year, you will then have 10 opportunities to sit the STAAR test and pass.
What Does the STAAR Test Contain?
The STAAR EOC consists of five tests:
- Algebra I
- English I
- English II
- Biology
- US History
In some districts, English III and Algebra II tests are also taken.
Algebra 1 STAAR Test
This test contains 54 multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
Subject areas include:
- Linear equations functions and graphs
- Two-variable linear inequalities
- Expanding and simplifying equations
- Geometry
- Exponents and square roots
- Quadratic equations and functions
- X and Y intercepts, slope, range and domain
The test is machine scorable, meaning all STAAR test results are standardized and immediate results are given.
You are allowed to use a graphing calculator.
For those wanting to take the AP Mathematics course, the Algebra I test replaces the 8th Grade STAAR Math Test. It is the only test that can be taken in middle school.
Practice STAAR Test Math
Example Question
Which statement about f(x)=x2–1,024 is true?
a) The zeros, –512 and 512, can be found when 0=(x+512)(x–512)
b) The only zero, 512, can be found 0=(x–512)2
c) The zeroes, –32 and 32, can be found when 0=(x+32)(x–32)
d) The only zero, 32, can be found when 0=(x–32)2
e) None of the above
Practice STAAR test with Test Prep Online
English 1 STAAR Test
The STAAR EOC English 1 test consists of two sections: Reading and writing.
It has a five-hour time limit and has:
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- Two short answers
- One essay prompt
The reading test contains four paragraphs, approximately 500 to 1,400 words and 27 related questions.
There are also two short-answer prompts.
The passages can be fiction or nonfiction.
The test areas are:
- Comprehension of the theme
- Author's purpose and opinion
- Character and character behavior
- Literary devices and their contribution
Students may be asked to compare and contrast two passages or find links between an image and a text.
Practice STAAR Test English – STAAR EOC English I
Example Question
Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll
1. ’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
2. “Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!”
3. He took his vorpal sword in hand;
Long time the manxome foe he sought—
So rested he by the Tumtum tree
And stood awhile in thought.
4. And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
5. One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
6. "And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!"
He chortled in his joy.
7. 'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
What type of poetry is the poem Jabberwocky?
a) Nonsensical ballad
b) Blank verse
c) Haiku
d) Sonnet
The writing section has four paragraphs, between 400 to 700 words, with 22 related questions.
During this part of the STAAR EOC English I test, students are expected to:
- Add missing information
- Demonstrate use and understanding of vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation and phrasing
- Combine, revise and replace sentences
- Complete a short essay based on a writing prompt
If you want 12-month access to all the practice resources for this test, our partner TestPrep-Online.com offers a Family Membership.
Family Membership gives you access to all the TestPrep-Online resources for the next 12 months. You will also get two separate accounts, which can be very helpful if you have two children preparing for their tests.
Get a Family Membership with 12-month access
Example Question
Read and consider the following statement:
For some, admitting that they need help can be very difficult, especially if their family has high expectations of them. However, people often need the help of others to accomplish their tasks.
Someone’s success often depends on the help and support of others.
Considering this statement, write a short essay detailing how asking for and receiving help from others can help you succeed.
English 2 STAAR test
STAAR English II is similar to English I in that it:
- Has a five-hour time limit
- Consists of a reading and a writing section
- Has 50 multiple-choice questions, one essay prompt and two short answers.
The reading section follows the same format as English II. The difference is that the passages are more complex and require more advanced critical reading skills.
Again, the writing section for English II follows the same format as English I. The difference is the level of questioning.
Biology STAAR Test
The Biology STAAR test comes with a reference sheet and graphing paper. It consists of 54 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as:
- Bacteria and archaea
- Cell division and reproduction
- Cell specialization
- Cellular activity
- Cellular respiration
- DNA structure and components
- Ecosystems
- Energy flow
- Enzymes and enzyme regulation
- Food chains
- Homeostasis
- Mutations and evolution
- Organism classification system
- Organism interaction and relationships
- Photosynthesis
- Plant biology, structure and function
- Replication, organ and body systems
You are allowed a four-function, graphing or scientific calculator for this test.
Practice STAAR Test Biology
Example Question
Virologists develop and produce vaccines against viruses, such as Covid19 and Flu.
Some viruses mutate and therefore the vaccine no longer offers the level of protection it once did, requiring the development of a new vaccine and re-immunisation of the Populus.
Which statements best describe this scenario?
a) The infected host has lower resistance to the mutated virus, allowing the virus to multiply and spread to other individuals.
b) The mutated virus slows the spread of the original virus.
c) The mutated virus becomes more contagious but fewer people become infected.
d) The mutated virus only affects vaccinated people.
US History STAAR Test in 2024
The US History STAAR paper consists of 68 multiple-choice questions and includes the following topics:
- American eras and the events/trends that characterized them
- American War
- Civil Rights Movement and racism
- Environmental laws
- Historic American documents, acts and treaties
- Important historical figures and their deeds, words and influence
- Immigrants, slaves and minorities
- Inventions
- Political parties and ideologies
- Political posters and cartoons
- US economy
- US political and economic relationships
- US presidents and their elections and legacies
Practice STAAR Test US History
Example Question
What was the first ever capital of the United States of America?
a) New York
b) Philadelphia
c) Houston
d) Washington D.C.
STAAR Test Passing Standards and Scores in 2024
The STAAR exam results has a raw score determined by the number of correct answers given in each section.
This STAAR raw scores then becomes a weighted STAAR score according to how your peer group performs.
You must achieve 'meets' or 'masters' to pass their STAAR EOC test.
For summer 2021, the STAAR released test results were converted into the following STAAR passing scores:
| Subject | STAAR RAW Score | STAAR Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|
| English I | 0–36 37–43 44–58 59–68 | Did not meet Approaches Meets Masters |
| English II | 0–37 38–44 45–60 61–68 | Did not meet Approaches Meets Masters |
| Algebra I | 0–20 21–32 33–39 40–54 | Did not meet Approaches Meets Masters |
| Biology | 0–18 19–29 30–41 42–50 | Did not meet Approaches Meets Masters |
| US History | 0–27 28–41 42–53 54–68 | Did not meet Approaches Meets Masters |
Best Ways to Study for the STAAR Test
The test content is everything you have studied in class, so everything should be familiar.
However, there are some things you can do to ensure you pass your STAAR Upper-Level tests.
Step 1. Make a Study Plan
Making a study guide at the start of school will help you manage your time. In high school, you have homework, assignments, extracurricular and test prep, as well as socializing and sleeping.
Create a schedule that allows you to get all the work done and also has time for fun.
Step 2. Spend More Time With Subject Areas You Aren’t Comfortable With
There will be areas that you are naturally better at than others.
Dedicate more time in your study schedule for those areas.
Understand the different question types.
Step 3. Take Advantage of Practice Papers
The Texas Education Agency has copies of all the past papers for this grade level and their answers.
You can print these off and work through practice STAAR tests.
There are many STAAR practice tests online that may have the STAAR test 2024 answers.
As you become more comfortable with the test format, start taking STAAR practice tests online under timed conditions.
You should also pay attention to the questions you get wrong, so you know which areas you have to improve.
Using these STAAR online practice tests will help you familiarize yourself with STAAR released questions.
Step 4. Minimize Stress Before the Tests
If you have followed your study schedule properly, the night before the test should be spent doing something fun.
Go to bed early so you have a good night's sleep and ensure you have a healthy breakfast and/or lunch.
Step 5. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Taking a test in clothing that is uncomfortable or that need constant adjusting will pull your attention away from the test.
Wear something comfortable with a sweater or cardigan that you can remove or put on if the room temperature is too hot or cold.
Step 6. Bring the Right Tools
For some of the tests, complementary tools are provided, such as graphing paper.
If you would benefit from having additional scrap paper, bring some with you and ask if it is allowed.
For those who take the paper test, you can use the question booklet. But for those using a computer, you will need to ask for or provide your own scrap paper.
Step 7. Read Each Question Twice
For the STAAR TEST Upper Level, it is important to follow a strategic approach.
Before providing an answer, make sure to read the question twice to ensure a clear understanding.
This is crucial because some questions might incorporate double negatives, requiring careful and slow reading.
Taking the time to read and comprehend the question thoroughly can help avoid confusion and improve your chances of selecting the correct answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students need to achieve at least 25% to pass the STAAR tests.
In some cases, the admission score is set to 35%.
The test score you need is dependent upon the scores across the state of Texas and the age of the students taking the examination.
The STAAR is the standardized test that examines the academic progress of the students from the 3rd grade to the 8th grade.
Morevoer, the data that is received from students sitting the STAAR test is used to improve the pupil’s abilities and the school curriculum.
The test also highlights the top-performing students in the state and the students that need additional support.
In 2021 house bill 999 was passed which allowed students to graduate even if they did not meet the initial requirements to pass. A student can now graduate through an individual graduation committee.
The committee is made up of students, teachers, the principal and lead instructors, and parents. They deem if the child is fit to graduate.
Because this is a state-oriented examination, students will revise for this during their class time. They should also spend time outside of school preparing for the examination.
Flashcards, study groups, and sitting any online mock examinations will help a student prepare for their STAAR test.
The Math STAAR test dates 2024 was set to be administered May 2-12th.
The Biology STAAR test 2024 was administered June 20-30th.
The English 2 STAAR test 2024 was administered June 20-30th.
The Reading STAAR test 2024 happened between Mar 27-Apr 28.
You need to inform the school via email or letter if you wish to opt-out of the testing.
The History STAAR test occured between June 20-30th.
The Algebra 1 STAAR test occured between June 20-30th.
This is a public school test in Texas and private schools are not mandated to take it.
The results for the STAAR test are due out on 16th Aug.
The STAAR tests typically consist of approximately 30 to 50 questions per subject, depending on the grade level and subject area.
The exact number of questions may vary from year to year and may be different for each subject.
To pass the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) test, students need to meet the performance standard established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for their grade level or course.
The passing standard is typically expressed in terms of a minimum "scale score," which is the score range used to report test results.
Final Thoughts
Passing the STAAR EOC tests is part of your transition into adult life.
Taking the time to create a study schedule and sticking to it is the adult approach that will set you up for success.
The self-management and discipline skills you learn during this time will also help you succeed in college and your career.
Remember, there are multiple opportunities to take these tests. Don't leave them to the final year. But don't push yourself too hard to get them passed early.
