Statewide passing rates for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) mathematics and reading tests in grades three through eight remained relatively stable for the third consecutive year, according to preliminary results released by TEA. The results reflect passing rates for the spring 2014 administration of STAAR and STAAR L.
Virtually all grades (3 through 8) recorded some improvement in mathematics over results from the previous school year. Fifth and eighth graders recorded the highest passing rate at 79% on the first administration of the test. The largest increase from the previous school year came in grade 6 – a jump of five percentage points. Grade 7 was the only grade level where math passing rates declined from 2012–2013.
Eighty-two percent of eighth-grade students passed the STAAR reading test on their first attempt. Sixth graders recorded the largest increase (six percentage points) over results from the previous school year. However, with the exception of grade 4, all other grades showed some slight decrease from 2012–2013.
STAAR writing tests were administered in grades 4 and 7. Initial passing rates in each of those grades have remained stable over the past three school years. Students in fourth grade posted the highest passing rate of 73%, an increase of two percentage points over results from the previous school year.
Fifth graders posted the highest preliminary passing rate in STAAR science (73%). The eighth grade passing rate in science was 70%. Eighth graders also posted a 61% passing rate in social studies.
Comparison charts of statewide results and summary charts provide greater detail on all STAAR results. Note that TEA does not have district-level test results at this time. Those are available from local school districts and state charter schools. To review state-level reports on grades 3 through 8, visit the TEA website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/staar/rpt/sum/.
