Students take grade-level STAAR tests in Reading, Math, Writing, and Science.

• STAAR Modified will no longer be used – new information will be given to affected families on testing for students with special needs.

Students take grade-level STAAR tests in Reading, Math, Writing, Science, and Social Studies.

• Students who take Algebra I as a seventh-grader or an eighth-grader are only required to take the Algebra I End-of-Course exam (EOC) this year. Middle school students taking Algebra I WILL NOT be required to take the grade-level STAAR math assessment in addition to the Algebra I EOC.
• Looking ahead to high school, students will review their endorsement options with a teacher or school counselor.
• Students who are not demonstrating academic success will develop Personal Graduation Plans before entering high school.

Entering ninth-graders are now required to pass five End-of-Course (EOC) exams to graduate.

The English I and II exams combine reading and writing into one five-hour test.

For next year’s entering ninth-graders:

Students will enter under the new 26-credit Foundation High School Program with an endorsement – and take Algebra II at the appropriate time – which will allow them to earn a Distinguished Level of Achievement and become eligible for automatic admission into state universities if they graduate in the top 10% of their class.

Endorsement Plans

With the help of teachers, counselors, and parents, students will decide on one or more endorsement plans:

These endorsements will help create a personalized learning plan in line with a student’s career interests and goals. Families will be given a school-by-school breakdown of student options well in advance, to assist them in selecting a high school endorsement and career pathway that meets the student’s career interests and post-secondary goals.

Performance Acknowledgements

Students may earn up to FIVE performance acknowledgements, which will be displayed on diplomas and transcripts: