The STAAR test (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) is the standardized assessment administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to students in grades 3–8 and end-of-course (EOC) subjects in high school. In 2026, Texas replaced the old multiple-choice STAAR with a new format featuring more open-ended, technology-enhanced items. This guide explains the current STAAR format, what each grade tests, passing score requirements, and how to use STAAR practice test materials effectively to prepare for the 2026 administration.
The STAAR test is Texas's primary student academic assessment program, administered annually to measure whether students are mastering grade-level content in Reading Language Arts (RLA), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. All Texas public school students in grades 3–8 take the STAAR test each spring. High school students take End-of-Course (EOC) assessments in Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History.
Key facts about STAAR 2026:
2026 redesign — what changed: TEA redesigned the STAAR in 2026, reducing the percentage of multiple-choice questions and adding open-ended "constructed response" questions. The redesigned test also introduced multi-select items, drag-and-drop ordering, and inline-choice questions. Paper-based STAAR tests were eliminated for most students — the test is now delivered online.
Use our STAAR practice test to familiarize yourself with current question types before test day.
Each grade tests different subjects and TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) standards. Understanding what is tested at each grade level helps focus STAAR practice test preparation on the right content.
Grades 3–4 (Reading Language Arts and Math only):
Grades 5–6 (adds Science for Grade 5):
Grades 7–8 (Grade 8 adds Science and Social Studies):
High School EOC Assessments: Students must pass Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History EOC exams. These exams count 15% of the final course grade. EOC passing is a graduation requirement under Texas law.
Practice for your specific grade with our STAAR practice test 2026 — organized by grade and subject area.
STAAR scores are reported on a scaled score (roughly 1,000–5,000 range depending on grade) and categorized into three performance levels. Understanding these levels clarifies what score you need and what each means for advancement.
Did Not Meet Grade Level: The student did not demonstrate sufficient mastery of the grade-level TEKS tested. For Grades 5 and 8 in Reading and Math, this triggers the grade retention review process. Students in all grades may be required to attend summer school or receive additional intervention.
Approaches Grade Level: The minimum passing threshold. Students who score at this level have demonstrated basic proficiency in tested content. For EOC exams, Approaches satisfies the passing requirement for graduation. For grades 5 and 8, Approaches prevents mandatory retention.
Meets Grade Level: The standard for being on-track. Students who consistently score at Meets are considered adequately prepared for the next grade. Used in school accountability ratings.
Masters Grade Level: The highest performance level, indicating advanced mastery. Used heavily in school and district accountability ratings (A–F grades from TEA). Students who master content are well-prepared for advanced coursework.
Cutting scores (the actual number required for each level) are set by TEA each year and vary by grade and subject. Check the TEA website for the current year's performance standards.