AMARILLO, TEXAS -- In a few short weeks, schools across the state will begin taking the new State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, of STAAR.
It's the test that's replacing the TAKS. It's also has its fair share of controversy and concern about its more rigorous approach.
We looked at the differences between the tests, and what parents and students need to know.
It was in the 81st Texas Legislative Session in 2009, that House Bill 3 introduced a transition plan for STAAR.
It's considered at testing program that emphasizes "readiness".
"The STAAR test came and it's looking at more of a readiness standard for students, looking at are they ready for the subsequence grade the next level courses, as well as, college and career readiness," said Michelle Wilson, Region 16 Manager of Leadership Development.
But just as the TAKS was, this test is being met with public outcry. One difference you should know about, this new system will contain more test questions at most grades than TAKS did.
"The key to the STAAR test is that it's going to look a little different in that its going to be a little bit narrow in scope, but it's going to be deeper. So that kids are going to have to think critically about the content of their learning in the classroom, they're going to really have to know the content, as well as, be able to apply what it means to different scenarios," said Wilson.
The high school assessments will move from grade-based tests to end-of-course based exams. For the first time, the state's assessments will have a time limit of four hours.
But that "end-of-course" approach should be a positive for students.
It means instead of rehashing questions from past grade levels, they'll be current. Administrators see that as a good thing.
"The difference in what we're doing now is the end-of-course, those students are taking test over content taught that year and that they have completed that year," said Wilson.
Another big difference, the STAAR was set up to count toward 15% of a high school student's total grade on a subject. But on Friday, February 17, 2012, the head of the Texas Education Agency, Robert Scott, signed an order deferring that requirement this year.
That will also students and teachers a year to get familiar with the test.
So parents, you may be asking, how can I get my students ready for this test?
It's important you understand, students are not just needing to know the answer on the test, but discovering and analyzing it.
"The test is going to be much more about application of the knowledge rather than just a regurgitation of information. So, that's very different it's easy to list the causes of the Civil War, but it's really difficult, it's more difficult to analyze the causes of the Civil War," said Gwen Hicks, Region 16 Director of Instructional Services.
For a year and a half, teachers have been preparing for this controversial test.
"We have been training teachers for some time on what does the high quality instruction need to look like that goes along to meet the rigor of and the expectations of the assessment," said Hicks.
It's because of that, officials are urging parents and teachers to help prepare students, and go to meetings being held at the schools.\
You can find out when those are by calling the school.\
"Working with the teacher is always a critical point, visiting with the teacher, having that conversations with the teacher about what is being taught in the classroom and how do you support that," said Hicks.
"I think with parents if you could have those conversations with your kids, help them think critically about what they're learning in the classroom any of that will help," said Wilson.
All great tips for parents wanting to understand the new system, and help by getting involved; making for a smoother transition from the TAKS to the STAAR.
Testing will begin in March. To help with preparations, the Texas Education Agency has provided public resources like test questions and samples.
For that information, you can click here.
