The English 1 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) is the test that the state of Texas uses to determine whether 9th grade students are meeting state-wide standards for reading, writing, editing, and revising. STAAR testing starts in the 3rd grade, so if you have grown up in Texas schools, you have taken multiple of these standardized tests. The English 1 STAAR asks students to read passages and answer multiple choice and open-ended questions that demonstrate their ability to comprehend and analyze texts. Students are also asked to write an expository essay in response to a reading. Finally, they answer further multiple choice and open-ended questions about how to best revise and edit essays.

Okay, but why are you hearing about this now? Great question. The English 1 STAAR matters more than previous tests because it determines whether or not a student is qualified to graduate high school. If they don't pass this test, they have to keep taking it until they do because otherwise they might not graduate. When graduation comes into question, things become more serious. I've seen parents panicking at the end of the school year trying to figure out how to get their student back on track. It's stressful for everyone involved. Don't let that happen to you.

But if I'm being completely honest, while graduation is important, that isn't my number one reason for caring about how students perform on the English 1 STAAR. I'm more concerned about their ability to succeed in life beyond school. If I have a student who struggles to answer basic reading comprehension questions, I am worried about their future. We use these reading and writing skills in everyday life to help us communicate. It is much more challenging to find a job without these basic skills. Similarly, if a student doesn't have to motivation to try their best on the STAAR, I'm also worried. A lack of purpose can be even more debilitating when faced with the unfortunate, but inevitable reality of paying the bills.

As much as I dislike the idea that there is one correct answer to a subjective question, this is the only current metric we have to identify whether students can read and write at the same standard as others. This test does NOT define a student's value as a human. This test does NOT determine whether or not a student will be able to secure a job after high school. But educators can use this test as a way to measure a student's skills and figure out a way to help them develop those skills to the point where they can meet the basic standards. 

So while freaking out about the English 1 STAAR is completely valid, I just want you to remember that a test does not define you and you are not alone. Your educators want to help you succeed, including me! If you're looking for extra support before taking the English 1 STAAR in April, I have 6 years of experience teaching to this test. Countless students have come to me after taking the test yapping about how easy it was, and that can be you too! Just hit the button below to sign up for a free intro call. 

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