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An exploration of how teachers and administrators can make sure their students don’t fail the STAAR test.
Help Your Students Pass The STAAR Test by Aligning Instruction
Teachers have always worked hard to ensure their students pass the STAAR test. So why do almost 1 in 4 students (23%) who receive a passing grade on the English I course fail the STAAR test? Overall, 37% of students fail the STAAR English I test—that’s more than 1 in 3 students. The results for economically disadvantaged students are far worse: 46% fail. Almost half.
Why does this happen? What can we do to make sure our students don’t fail?
STAAR Test Strategies—Curriculum Alignment & TEKS-based Instruction and Practice
One answer is better curriculum alignment, so students learn exactly what they need to know and do on the STAAR tests.
Some argue that aligning instruction with STAAR is “teaching to the test.” But what does that really mean? It’s not about giving students the answers—that would undermine real learning and do them a disservice. Instead, it’s about ensuring students are prepared for what they’ll encounter so they aren’t caught off guard on test day. We believe it’s only fair to teach what’s being tested, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
When it comes to other STAAR test strategies, we recommend TEKS-based instruction and practice that closely aligns with the tested format and thinking. Yes, thinking, because instead of low-level recall of information, STAAR tests require students to apply higher-order problem-solving skills. Mindless “drill and kill” test prep wouldn’t align with the STAAR tests and would certainly be a waste of time.
Okay, but doesn’t test prep undermine or replace a rich curriculum? It could, but that would be like saying vitamins are good, so eat only vitamins instead of full meals. STAAR test prep should supplement a rich, engaging curriculum. The best prep needs to be customized for each student’s unique needs, just like your vitamin intake should match your needs.
What Makes Effective STAAR Prep
Back to the goal of helping our students pass the STAAR test … what do we do?
First, we need to recognize that the status quo is not working. We need to change to get different—and better—results. Start by changing your thinking that test prep is bad and should be avoided (or that it should be done immediately before the test, which is cramming—not effective for higher-order thinking).
Doing nothing has serious consequences. Students who fail STAAR EOCs are much more likely to drop out of school. Teachers must ensure that the tested curriculum is learned to regain the freedom to create engaging lessons. Good STAAR test scores lead to greater freedom for teachers.
But not all STAAR prep is the same. To select quality STAAR prep resources that make a difference, consider these questions:
- Does it align closely with released STAAR tests?
- Does it include both instruction and practice?
- Does it support teachers in giving students actionable feedback?
STAAR Resources Designed to Address the Latest Challenges
Download the FREE Guide: Steps Texas Districts Can Take To Address The State’s Low 2024 STAAR Results.
Discover how Sirius Education Solutions is helping districts ensure their students pass the STAAR test with effective TEKS-based instruction and purposeful practice. Download our free guide for STAAR test strategies that provide practical steps to improve student performance and foster long-term growth.
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