The Ultimate Guide to Passing the Texas STAAR Test

How to Pass the Texas STAAR Test

This ultimate guide to passing your STAAR Test will help you understand how the exam works, how the questions are structured, and how to study so that you can not only pass the STAAR Test but earn an advanced score.

What is a STAAR Test?

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Standardized Tests are given to students in Texas public elementary, middle, and high schools as a means of measuring student knowledge at each grade level.

What Grades are STAAR Tested?

The STAAR Tests knowledge and skills in reading, writing, math, social studies, and science. They are taken by all public school students in the state of Texas in grades 3 through12.

Is STAAR Test Mandatory?

STAAR Tests are mandatory for all public school students in Texas. Any private or charter school that does not receive funding from the state of Texas is not required to have students take STAAR exams.

How Long Are STAAR Tests?

Al students have four full hours to finish a STAAR test. The only exception to this rule is any end-of-course English exam, where students are given five hours.

Students are not permitted to leave if they finish early and are expected to sit quietly until the entire testing session has concluded.

What Happens If You Fail the STAAR Test?

The only students who are required to retake the STAAR Tests are 5th and 8th grade students who do not pass math and/or reading.

There are two opportunities provided to take the test during the school year, and if they don't pass the 2nd time, there is a meeting to determine if the student should attend summer school interventions, then retake it for the 3rd time or not. Often times the students are placed into the next grade level based on other assessment data gathered throughout the year. 8th graders who are in Algebra do not take the 8th grade Math STAAR. They will take the Algebra EOC to receive the high school credit for that course.

Image Source: wikipedia.org

STAAR Tests Taken by High School Students

• Algebra 1

• United States History

• English I

• English II

• Biology

Image Source: HoustonISD.org

STAAR Released Test for All Grade Levels

The best way to prepare for and eventually pass your STAAR Test is to get plenty of practice and familiarity with the format of the exams and the kind of questions you will see.

Use the links below to access released STAAR Test questions and answer keys.

3rd Grade Released STAAR Test and Answers: Math | Reading

4th Grade Released STAAR Test and Answers: Math | Reading | Writing

5th Grade Released STAAR Test and Answers: Math | Reading | Science

6th Grade Released STAAR Test and Answers: Math | Reading

7th Grade Released STAAR Test and Answers: Math | Reading | Writing

8th Grade Released STAAR Test and Answers: Math | Reading | Science | Social Studies

High School Released STAAR Test and Answers: Algebra 1 | English I | English II | Biology | U.S. History

Sample question from the 2018 Algebra I released STAAR Test. Source: tea.texas.gov

STAAR Practice Test

Are you looking for more opportunities to practice for your STAAR Test? The links below share more opportunities to take a STAAR Practice Test for any subject:

• Test Prep Review

• Edulastic

• 4Tests

3 Tips for Passing the Your STAAR Test

1.) view Released STAAR Tests and Released Tests

Many STAAR Tests (with corresponding answer keys) from the past several years are available for free online. Practice at home to gauge your readiness and identify areas of weakness that you can focus on while studying.

8th Grade Math STAAR Reference Sheet

2.) Know Your Reference Sheets for Math

Familiarize yourself with the math reference guide prior to taking the STAAR Test and know what formulas are included (and what formulas are not).

The reference sheet is valuable because it saves you from having to memorize many important math formulas, which will save your time and energy while studying.

Pro Tip: If there is anything that you have memorized for the exam, write it down on your reference sheet as soon as the test begins. By transferring the information to paper, you are freeing up valuable mental energy that you can put towards the exam questions.

3.) Break Up Your Studying

Cramming for a big test may do more harm than good. To learn more about the negative consequences of cramming, check out Why Cramming for Tests Often Fails by BBC.

Rather than cramming, try spacing out your study sessions over many weeks leading up to your STAAR test.

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Have any questions or ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

(Never miss a Mashup Math blog--click here to get our weekly newsletter!)

By Anthony Persico

Anthony is the content crafter and head educator for YouTube's MashUp Math . You can often find me happily developing animated math lessons to share on my YouTube channel . Or spending way too much time at the gym or playing on my phone.

The Ultimate Guide to Passing the Geometry Regents Exam

How to Pass the Geometry Regents Exam

This ultimate guide to passing your Geometry Regents exam will help you understand how the exam works, how the questions are structured, and how to study so that you can not only pass the Geometry Regents, but score a 90 or above.

The Geometry Regents Exam measures a student’s understanding of the Common Core Learning Standards for Geometry. The exam requires that students show an understanding of mathematical concepts, use prior knowledge and prerequisite skills, and solve real world problems using tools and formulas.

What topics are covered on the Geometry Regents and which ones are the most important?

Not all geometry topics and learning standards are represented equally on the Geometry Regents. The graphics below (via EngageNY.org) share a blueprint that details which  topics are represented most on the Geometry Regents exam.

You can use this blueprint to help you prepare for the exam more strategically.

Notice that understanding topics related to Congruence (27-34% of the exam) are represented much more than topics related to Circles (only 2-8% of the exam).

While you should never skip any of the exam topics while preparing, you can use this information to prioritize what topics you plan on studying the most.

Pro Tip: If you are short on studying time, try focusing most of your attention on understanding topics related to Congruence (27-34% of the exam) and Similarity, Right Triangles, and Trigonometry (29-37% of the exam). By mastering these two strands alone, you will likely be able to pass the exam easily.

How Long is the Geometry Regents Exam?

The Geometry Regents exam lasts for three hours, although finishing the exam in less than three hours is common. However, students should not expect to be allowed to leave the testing site before the three-hour deadline has been met.

What is the format of the Geometry Regents Exam?

The geometry regents contains four parts including both multiple-choice questions and constructed response questions.

Part I contains 24 multiple choice questions, while Parts II, III, and IV contain constructed response questions.

How many questions are on the Geometry Regents Exam?

 There are a total of 35 questions on the Geometry Regents Exam. However, all of the questions are not weighted the same. See the chart below (via EngageNY.org) for more information on the breakdown.

How many questions do you need to get correct to pass the geometry regents?

As of January 2018, students are required to earn 30 total credits to get a passing score of 65. For example, by answering 15 multiple choice questions correct (2 credits each), you would earn a passing score.

What can I bring with me to the Geometry Regents?

Students are permitted to use a graphing calculator on all sections of the Geometry Regents exam. Students will also be given access to a compass and a straightedge (ruler) for the entire duration of the exam.

 Your school/testing site is responsible for supplying these materials to you.

 Pro Tip: Understanding how to use these tools is crucial to passing the geometry regents exam.

What about the Geometry Regents Reference Sheet?

 All students will be supplied with a reference sheet. You can download the Geometry Regents Reference Sheet for free by clicking here.

5 Tips for Passing the Geometry Regents Exam

1.) Review Past Geometry Regents Exams

Every Geometry Regents exam (with corresponding answer key and model answers) from the past several years are available for free online. You can practice taking these exams at home to assess your readiness and determine areas of weakness that you can focus on while studying.

Practicing these old exams is great way to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, what kind of questions will be asked, and what your responses need to look like.

Here are links to the most recent Geometry Regents Exams (past geometry regents answers are included):

 Geometry Regents 2017 | Geometry Regents 2018 | Geometry Regents 2019

2.) Know Your Reference Sheet

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the reference sheet before the exam and know what information and formulas are included on it (as well as which ones are not).

This information is valuable because you do not have to memorize the formulas on the reference sheet since they will already be given to you.

Pro Tip: If there is anything that you have memorized for the exam, write it down on your reference sheet as soon as the test begins. By transferring the information to paper, you are freeing up valuable mental energy that you can put towards the exam questions.

3.) Break Up Your Studying

Cramming for an exam like the Geometry Regents is not a good idea. For more information, check out this BBC article Why Cramming for Tests Often Fails.

Instead, you should space out your studying over several weeks leading up to exam day. In addition to working on past exam questions, you should review your Geometry notes, practice problems, quizzes and tests as well.

One of the benefits of spacing out your studying is that it will give you opportunities to ask your geometry teacher for help before or after school. If you wait until the last minute to study, you will not have this option.

4.) Take Advantage of Free Resources

There is no shortage of helpful, free resources to help you prepare for the Geometry Regents.

Many students like to use Geometry Regents Review packets, take online prep courses, and study geometry regents vocabulary flash cards.

By taking advantage of these free online resources, you can give yourself plenty of practice and exposure to the topics that will be covered on the regents exam.

Pro Tip: When you come across a practice question that you are struggling to solve, write down whatever questions you may have and flag the question until you can share it with your teacher or tutor the next time they are available.

5.) Understand Proofs

If you are looking to not only pass the Geometry Regents, but score a 90 or above, then you need to be sure that you have a strong understanding of the more difficult topics on the exam.

And triangle proofs are the topic that students most often struggle with.

If your goal is a high score on the geometry regents, then you will need to focus a good amount of energy and study time on understanding congruence and completing proofs.

Here are a few free video lessons on these topics if you could use some extra practice:

Are you looking for help with passing the Algebra 1 Regents and Algebra 2 Regents? Click the links below to access our other free guides:

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Have any questions or ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

(Never miss a Mashup Math blog--click here to get our weekly newsletter!)

By Anthony Persico

Anthony is the content crafter and head educator for YouTube's MashUp Math . You can often find me happily developing animated math lessons to share on my YouTube channel . Or spending way too much time at the gym or playing on my phone.

The Ultimate Guide to Passing the Algebra 2 Regents Exam

How to Pass the Algebra 2 Regents Exam

This ultimate guide to passing your Algebra 2 Regents exam will help you understand how the exam works, how the questions are structured, and how to study so that you can not only pass the Algebra 2 Regents, but score a 90 or above.

The Algebra 2 Regents Exam measures a student’s understanding of the Common Core Learning Standards for Algebra 2. The exam requires that students show an understanding of mathematical concepts, use prior knowledge and prerequisite skills, and solve real world problems using tools and formulas.

What topics are covered on the Algebra 2 Regents and which ones are the most important?

Not all algebra topics and learning standards are represented equally on the regents exam. The graphics below (via EngageNY.org) share a blueprint that details which  topics are represented most on the Algebra 2 Regents exam.

You can use this blueprint to help you prepare for the exam more strategically.

Notice that understanding topics related to the Algebra category (35-44% of the exam) are represented much more than topics related to the Number & Quantity category (only 5-12% of the exam).

While you should never skip any of the exam topics while preparing, you can use this information to prioritize what topics you plan on studying the most.

Pro Tip: If you are short on studying time, try focusing most of your attention on understanding topics related to Algebra (expressions, equations, and inequalities) (35-44% of the exam) and Functions (30-40% of the exam). By mastering these two strands alone, you will likely be able to pass the exam easily.

How Long is the Algebra 2 Regents Exam?

The Algebra 2 Regents exam lasts for three hours, although finishing the exam in less than three hours is common. However, students should not expect to be allowed to leave the testing site before the three-hour deadline has been met.

What is the format of the Algebra 2 Regents Exam?

The Algebra 2 regents contains four parts including both multiple-choice questions and constructed response questions.

Part I contains 24 multiple choice questions, while Parts II, III, and IV contain constructed response questions.

How many questions are on the Algebra 2 Regents Exam?

 There are a total of 37 questions on the Algebra 2 Regents Exam. However, all of the questions are not weighted the same. See the chart below (via EngageNY.org) for more information on the breakdown.

How many questions do you need to get correct to pass the Algebra 2 Regents?

As of January 2018, students are required to earn 30 total credits to get a passing score of 65. For example, by answering 15 multiple choice questions correct (2 credits each), you would earn a passing score.

What can I bring with me to the Algebra 2 Regents?

Students are permitted to use a graphing calculator on all sections of the Algebra 2 Regents exam. Students will also be given access to a straightedge (ruler) for the entire duration of the exam.

 Your school/testing site is responsible for supplying these materials to you.

 Pro Tip: Understanding how to use these tools is crucial to passing the algebra 2 regents exam.

What about the Algebra 2 Regents Reference Sheet?

 All students will be supplied with a reference sheet. You can download the Algebra 2 Regents Reference Sheet for free by clicking here.

5 Tips for Passing the Algebra 2 Regents Exam

1.) Review Past Algebra 2 Regents Exams

Every Algebra 2 Regents exam (with corresponding answer key and model answers) from the past several years are available for free online. You can practice taking these exams at home to assess your readiness and determine areas of weakness that you can focus on while studying.

Practicing these old exams is great way to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, what kind of questions will be asked, and what your responses need to look like.

Here are links to the most recent Algebra 2 Regents Exams (past algebra 2 regents answers are included):

Algebra 2 Regents Practice: Algebra 2 Regents June 2018 | Algebra 2 Regents August 2018 | Algebra 2 Regents January 2019 | + More Algebra 2 Regents Answers

2.) Know Your Reference Sheet

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the reference sheet before the exam and know what information and formulas are included on it (as well as which ones are not).

This information is valuable because you do not have to memorize the formulas on the reference sheet since they will already be given to you.

Pro Tip: If there is anything that you have memorized for the exam, write it down on your reference sheet as soon as the test begins. By transferring the information to paper, you are freeing up valuable mental energy that you can put towards the exam questions.

3.) Break Up Your Studying

Cramming for an exam like the Algebra 2 Regents is not a good idea. For more information, check out this BBC article Why Cramming for Tests Often Fails.

Instead, you should space out your studying over several weeks leading up to exam day. In addition to working on past exam questions, you should review your Algebra 2 notes, practice problems, quizzes and tests as well.

One of the benefits of spacing out your studying is that it will give you opportunities to ask your Algebra 2 teacher for help before or after school. If you wait until the last minute to study, you will not have this option.

4.) Take Advantage of Free Resources

There is no shortage of helpful, free resources to help you prepare for the Algebra 2 Regents.

Many students like to use Algebra 2 Regents Review packets, take online prep courses, and study algebra 2 regents vocabulary flash cards.

By taking advantage of these free online resources, you will give yourself plenty of practice and exposure to the topics that will be covered on the regents exam.

Pro Tip: When you come across a practice question that you are struggling to solve, write down whatever questions you may have and flag the question until you can share it with your teacher or tutor the next time they are available.

5.) Understand The Big Topics

If you are looking to not only pass the Algebra 2 Regents, but score a 90 or above, then you need to be sure that you have a strong understanding of the more difficult topics on the exam.

If your goal is a high score on the regents, then you will need to focus a good amount of energy and study time on understanding expressions, equations, and inequalities as well as functions.

Here are a few free video lessons on these topics if you could use some extra practice:

Are you looking for help with passing the Algebra 1 Regents and Geometry Regents? Click the links below to access our other free guides:

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Have any questions or ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

(Never miss a Mashup Math blog--click here to get our weekly newsletter!)

By Anthony Persico

Anthony is the content crafter and head educator for YouTube's MashUp Math . You can often find me happily developing animated math lessons to share on my YouTube channel . Or spending way too much time at the gym or playing on my phone.

The Ultimate Guide to Passing the Algebra 1 Regents Exam

How to Pass the Algebra 1 Regents Exam

This ultimate guide to passing your Algebra 1 Regents exam will help you understand how the exam works, how the questions are structured, and how to study so that you can not only pass the Algebra 1 Regents, but score a 90 or above.

The Algebra 1 Regents Exam measures a student’s understanding of the Common Core Learning Standards for Algebra 1. The exam requires that students show an understanding of mathematical concepts, use prior knowledge and prerequisite skills, and solve real world problems using tools and formulas.

What topics are covered on the Algebra 1 Regents and which ones are the most important?

Not all algebra topics and learning standards are represented equally on the regents exam. The graphics below (via EngageNY.org) share a blueprint that details which  topics are represented most on the Algebra 1 Regents exam.

You can use this blueprint to help you prepare for the exam more strategically.

Notice that understanding topics related to Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities (50-56% of the exam) are represented much more than topics related to Statistics and Probability (only 5-10% of the exam).

While you should never skip any of the exam topics while preparing, you can use this information to prioritize what topics you plan on studying the most.

Pro Tip: If you are short on studying time, try focusing most of your attention on understanding topics related to Algebra (expressions, equations, and inequalities) (50-56% of the exam) and Functions (32-38% of the exam). By mastering these two strands alone, you will likely be able to pass the exam easily.

How Long is the Algebra 1 Regents Exam?

The Algebra 1 Regents exam lasts for three hours, although finishing the exam in less than three hours is common. However, students should not expect to be allowed to leave the testing site before the three-hour deadline has been met.

What is the format of the Algebra 1 Regents Exam?

The Algebra 1 regents contains four parts including both multiple-choice questions and constructed response questions.

Part I contains 24 multiple choice questions, while Parts II, III, and IV contain constructed response questions.

How many questions are on the Algebra 1 Regents Exam?

 There are a total of 37 questions on the Algebra 1 Regents Exam. However, all of the questions are not weighted the same. See the chart below (via EngageNY.org) for more information on the breakdown.

How many questions do you need to get correct to pass the Algebra 1 Regents?

As of January 2018, students are required to earn 30 total credits to get a passing score of 65. For example, by answering 15 multiple choice questions correct (2 credits each), you would earn a passing score.

What can I bring with me to the Algebra 1 Regents?

Students are permitted to use a graphing calculator on all sections of the Algebra 1 Regents exam. Students will also be given access to a straightedge (ruler) for the entire duration of the exam.

 Your school/testing site is responsible for supplying these materials to you.

 Pro Tip: Understanding how to use these tools is crucial to passing the algebra 1 regents exam.

What about the Algebra 1 Regents Reference Sheet?

 All students will be supplied with a reference sheet. You can download the Algebra 1 Regents Reference Sheet for free by clicking here.

5 Tips for Passing the Algebra 1 Regents Exam

1.) Review Past Algebra 1 Regents Exams

Every Algebra 1 Regents exam (with corresponding answer key and model answers) from the past several years are available for free online. You can practice taking these exams at home to assess your readiness and determine areas of weakness that you can focus on while studying.

Practicing these old exams is great way to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam, what kind of questions will be asked, and what your responses need to look like.

Here are links to the most recent Algebra 1 Regents Exams (past algebra 1 regents answers are included):

Algebra 1 Regents Practice: Algebra 1 Regents June 2018 | Algebra 1 Regents August 2018 | Algebra 1 Regents January 2019 | + More Algebra 1 Regents Answers

2.) Know Your Reference Sheet

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the reference sheet before the exam and know what information and formulas are included on it (as well as which ones are not).

This information is valuable because you do not have to memorize the formulas on the reference sheet since they will already be given to you.

Pro Tip: If there is anything that you have memorized for the exam, write it down on your reference sheet as soon as the test begins. By transferring the information to paper, you are freeing up valuable mental energy that you can put towards the exam questions.

3.) Break Up Your Studying

Cramming for an exam like the Algebra 1 Regents is not a good idea. For more information, check out this BBC article Why Cramming for Tests Often Fails.

Instead, you should space out your studying over several weeks leading up to exam day. In addition to working on past exam questions, you should review your Algebra 1 notes, practice problems, quizzes and tests as well.

One of the benefits of spacing out your studying is that it will give you opportunities to ask your Algebra 1 teacher for help before or after school. If you wait until the last minute to study, you will not have this option.

4.) Take Advantage of Free Resources

There is no shortage of helpful, free resources to help you prepare for the Algebra Regents.

Many students like to use Algebra 1 Regents Review packets, take online prep courses, and study algebra 1 regents vocabulary flash cards.

By taking advantage of these free online resources, you will can give yourself plenty of practice and exposure to the topics that will be covered on the regents exam.

Pro Tip: When you come across a practice question that you are struggling to solve, write down whatever questions you may have and flag the question until you can share it with your teacher or tutor the next time they are available.

5.) Understand The Big Topics

If you are looking to not only pass the Algebra 1 Regents, but score a 90 or above, then you need to be sure that you have a strong understanding of the more difficult topics on the exam.

If your goal is a high score on the regents, then you will need to focus a good amount of energy and study time on understanding expressions, equations, and inequalities as well as functions.

Here are a few free video lessons on these topics if you could use some extra practice:

Are you looking for help with passing the Algebra 2 Regents and Geometry Regents? Click the links below to access our other free guides:

---

Have any questions or ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

(Never miss a Mashup Math blog--click here to get our weekly newsletter!)

By Anthony Persico

Anthony is the content crafter and head educator for YouTube's MashUp Math . You can often find me happily developing animated math lessons to share on my YouTube channel . Or spending way too much time at the gym or playing on my phone.