L.B.J Fourth
Graders Rock the
STAAR!
Countdown to STAAR!
Welcome LBJ
parents and
students!
WHY THIS MEETING?
This meeting is to give you
information on STAAR testing
days, what is expected, how you
can help and how your child is
progressing thus far.
WHAT IS THE STAAR?
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic
Readiness, or STAAR, replaced the Texas
Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS)
program beginning in spring 2012. The
STAAR program at grades 3–8 will assess the
same grades and subjects as are assessed on
TAKS.
HOW IS STAAR DIFFERENT
FROM TAKS?
The most significant changes to the assessment
program include:
• increasing the rigor of both the assessments and
the performance standards for all grades, subjects,
and courses;
• The rigor of items has been increased by assessing
skills at a greater depth and level of cognitive
complexity. In this way the tests will be better able
to measure a greater range of student achievement
and establish stronger links to postsecondary
readiness.
(Continued)
4 hour time limit
STAAR writing assessments at grades 4 will
be extended to two days.
The test designs for STAAR grades 4 writing
will require students to write two essays
addressing different purposes for writing
rather than one longer personal essay,
which TAKS required.
(Continued)
In reading assessments for STAAR, greater
emphasis will be given to critical analysis
rather than literal understanding
Most STAAR mathematics assessments will
have an increased number of open-ended
(griddable) items to allow students the
opportunity to derive an answer
independently without being influenced by
the answer choices provided with the
questions.
th
What tests will 4
graders be taking?
Writing (Composition and
Grammar) (2 Days)
Reading (1 Day)
Math (1 Day)
When will students be
tested?
Writing- April 2 and 3
Math- April 23
Reading-April 24
What can you do to help?
• Students: should be practicing reading 4th
grade books to prepare for STAAR,
practicing multiplication facts and
completing all homework assignments.
• Parents: please make sure your child
reads on a daily basis. Please make sure
you sign homework sheets/calendars.
Make frequent contact with teacher.
REMINDERS:
• Students have homework Monday-Friday
• Daily Reading on 4th grade material
including their reading book.
• Computer Lab will open at 7:15 for Reflex
Math and AR testing
• Attendance
Other Reminders:
Tutoring on Tuesdays and
Thursdays
Saturday School
Students, we Believe in
You!
Together, students,
parents and teachers can
Rock the STAAR!
Where to look for more
information?
www.tea.state.tx.us
THANKS AGAIN!
Parents, at this time, you
could meet briefly with
teachers to discuss
student progress.
Thank you for your
support!