Since the late 1800s, states in America have been required to provide free public education for students, and in 2010-11 there were 49.5 million students in public elementary and secondary schools--the highest number on record in the country's public school history--according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This number is expected to increase by 7 percent, to a new peak of more than 53 million by academic year 2021-22.
In order to ensure that each school is providing the same quality and level of education, most states have implemented a system of standardized testing that measures students' comprehension and ability to apply the things they learn in the classroom. While many people acknowledge that standardized testing has its flaws, most also agree that there must be a measurement tool for assessing students achievement, and until a more effective system is created, standardized tests will remain.
Standardized Testing in Texas
In Texas, students are measured using the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Prior to its introduction in Spring 2012, Texas educators used the
Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Today's STAAR test Texas program retains the TAKS tests students in grades 3-8, but replaces TAKS tests for high school students with new end-of-course (EOC) assessments in 12 different math, science, history, and English courses.
Where We Stand, a 2006 report from the Texas Comptroller's Office, indicated that the Lone Star State ranked 49th in verbal SAT scores nationally, and 46th in average math SAT scores, indicating a need to improve standards to better prepare Texas students for post-secondary education. The state also ranked 36th for high school graduation rates with only 68 percent of students obtaining this achievement. The new STAAR tests, as acknowledged by the creators, are more difficult than previous TAKS tests in an attempt to bring students to a higher achievement level and shrink the gap between Texas students and those in other states.
Resources for Educators, Administrators, and Parents
The more difficult testing standards mean more students require assistance in order to achieve the expected test scores. To meet the needs of these educators, parents, educators, and administrators need effective educational resources that prepare students for standardized tests.
On the TEA website, educators can find basic information about the new STAAR test Texas system, including frequently asked questions and answers on how the new testing system will better prepare students for post-secondary education readiness and make Texas students competitive with peers nationally and internationally. Brochures with basic information about how the system works are available to download and order.
There are also private companies providing testing and academic readiness resources for students and parents, including practice exams, critical thinking exercises, and more. These additional resources can give students the edge they need to be more prepared for taking exams in every grade, including the new EOC exams for high school students.
Any new system will encounter challenges and difficulties as it is integrated into the public education system, but Texas education officials hope that the new standards will bring students up to a more competitive level against their peers throughout the nation, better preparing them to go on for post-secondary education.
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Texas education officials hope that the new STAAR test Texas will bring students up to a more competitive level against their peers throughout the nation, better preparing them to go on for post-secondary education. In order to achieve these goals, educators and students need to utilize all of the educational resources at their disposal. Visit http://www.mentoringminds.com to learn more about these resources today.
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