The TELPAS and STAAR assessments are required by state and federal law. Students usually take these tests during the second semester. For exact dates, see the Texas Education Agency’s testing calendar.
TELPAS
Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) is designed to assess the progress that ELLs make in listening, speaking, reading, and writing the English language. For students in kindergarten through first grade, the assessment includes assessments based on ongoing classroom observations and student interactions. For students in grades 2-12, the test includes computer-based reading, listening, and speaking tests, and holistically rated student writing collections. The assessment is required at the federal level for ELLs in all grades. In addition, the reading assessment is required at the state level for ELLs in grades 2-12. Assessments take place in the spring. Results are distributed to parents. For more information, see the Texas Education Agency’s
TELPAS Resources page.
STAAR
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) is designed to assess the extent to which students have learned or are able to apply the knowledge and skills defined in the state-mandated curriculum standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Each question is aligned to at least one curriculum standard. STAAR tests can also include STAAR Spanish and STAAR A/STAAR Alternate (accommodated). Tests cover math, reading, writing, and science and are administered in the spring. Math and reading assessments are administered to all students in grades 3-5, the writing assessment is administered to all students in grade 4, and the science assessment is administered to all students in grade 5. Retests are administered throughout the year. Results are distributed to parents. For more information, see the Texas Education Agency’s
STAAR Resources page.
