The STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exam is a test designed to challenge students on their academic intelligence. This test replaced the TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test last year after almost five years of field testing. The STAAR was designed to be more difficult by narrowing down topics instead of having a general course test.

Last year was the first year for students to take the test. Since it was a new test and mostly a “trial run” the scores from it didn’t count in course grades. This year, though, the Texas state legislature is waiting to pass bill SB 1301 concerning whether or not scores will be factored into course grades.

“You may have heard that the test will be going into the grade book, but, as of now, that is still up in the air,” lead counselor Phyllis Hamilton said. “But for now, plan on it definitely being in there.”

Another thing that students may have heard that is still “up in the air” is how much the test will count for in their grades if they do decide to factor it in. At this time it would count as much as a final exam at 15%, but the state legislature can be changed at any time.

Retakes will also be different this year. To start off, TAKS students only had to pass four tests, now with STAAR they have to pass 12. They will have four tests each year: science, math, English and language arts, and social studies.

The test scores will be added together to form a cumulative score, and each student will have to have a minimum cumulative score in order to graduate. If the student did not pass one of the tests, they may have to retake it to make sure they get a cumulative score that is passing unlike TAKS, where only juniors had to retake it.

Also, retakes are available to those who passed, but want to improve their score. This would be helpful to students who want to make a better grade in one of their classes, but didn’t do as well as they hoped.

Students who took STAAR last year may remember that the scores did not count. This year they will be starting with a new system of “phases.” There are 3 different phases. Each phase has a different minimum standard to pass the test. As the stages go from 1 to 3, the minimum standard gets higher. Each year there will be a higher phase and the final resting place for the minimum standard to pass the test will be in 2016.

If students are feeling stressed or worried about taking the STAAR test, there are tutoring sessions available to help. The sessions started on Oct. 23^rd and will run through Dec. 11^th in various rooms that are listed on posters throughout the halls. This should be helpful to students who are retaking the STAAR this year or doing poorly in a class they need help in. Students and teachers never know what STAAR will throw at them.