Testing and Curriculum
Testing
State-mandated testing in Texas public schools is designed to measure how well students are learning the knowledge and skills outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which are the state’s academic standards for each grade level. These tests, commonly called STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness), are given each spring to students in grades 3–8 and certain high school courses.
MAP is a tool used nationwide at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. Unlike the STAAR test, MAP tests measure progress instead of mastery. The test adapts to each child based on how they answer test questions. The goal of the test is not to score 100% of the questions correctly; instead, each child's test becomes a unique experience for them, identifying strengths, areas needing improvement, and ideas for enrichment.
The MAP results are useful to teachers as well, allowing them to see where students may have missed important concepts and where they are successful, and make changes to meet their needs.
The purpose of these tests is to ensure that students are on track academically and that schools are providing high-quality instruction. Test results help teachers, schools, and families understand areas where students are excelling and where they may need extra support. While testing is only one part of a child’s education, it plays an important role in keeping schools accountable and making sure every child receives a strong education.
STAAR TEST
What is the STAAR Test
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) is a standardized academic achievement test designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to apply the defined knowledge and skills in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) at each tested grade, subject, and course. Every STAAR question is directly aligned to the TEKS currently in effect for the grade and subject or course being assessed.
STAAR helps to ensure that Texas students are competitive with other students both nationally and internationally. Another important function of STAAR is gauging how well schools and teachers prepare their students academically. In addition, STAAR fulfills the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, which requires that all students be assessed in specific grades and subjects throughout their academic careers.
STAAR is an online assessment in mathematics, reading language arts (RLA), science, and social studies for students in grades 3–8 and high school and online tests in Spanish for students in grades 3–5.
MAP TEST
What is the MAP Growth Test
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a nationally normed, adaptive achievement test. Nationally normed assessments compare your child to other typical students in the same grade, tested at the same point in the school year, across the nation. Norm referenced tests help teachers know what your student knows on the day of the test compared to other students of the same grade level. Teachers use this information to help your student learn tomorrow. An adaptive test is programmed to ask students questions based on their answers. For example, when a student answers a question correctly, the test will ask a more difficult or equally difficult question next. When a student answers a question incorrectly, the test will ask an easier question next. The goal of the test is not to score 100% of the questions correctly; instead, each child's test becomes a unique experience for them, identifying strengths, areas needing improvement, and ideas for enrichment.
TEKS
What are TEKS
TEKS stands for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, which are the state-mandated curriculum standards for public schools in Texas, from kindergarten through 12th grade. They define what students should know and be able to do in each subject and grade level, ensuring all students have access to a high-quality, standardized education.
Purpose:
The standards provide a clear roadmap for teaching and learning, detailing the specific knowledge and skills students should acquire by the end of each grade level.
Standardization:
By establishing a uniform set of learning objectives, the TEKS help ensure that all Texas students have equal opportunities for success, regardless of their background.
Assessment:
State-mandated standardized tests in Texas measure students' acquisition of the specific knowledge and skills outlined in the TEKS.
Structure:
Each standard within the TEKS typically includes an introductory statement, knowledge and skill statements, and student expectations.
Implementation:
The TEKS were implemented starting in the 1990s to provide clear curriculum expectations for educators and ensure students are prepared for college and careers.
Scope:
The TEKS cover all major subjects, including English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and more.
Other Tests, Information and Important Dates
Important Dates
Cayuga Elementary School
Cayuga Middle School
Cayuga High School
