The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, commonly referred to as its acronym STAAR, is a series of state-mandated standardized tests used in Texas public primary and secondary schools. Students at Dobie and all other public Texas schools must take the test each year.

When in reality students see the STAAR Test in so many other ways.“It’s what the state thinks is a good idea but in reality it pushes students and stresses them out,” said Lennon Cisneros, 8th grader.

Some students don’t trust the STAAR scores due to their test anxiety. “I think all tests, especially STAAR tests, do not capture our knowledge or the ability to learn the material. It can determine someone’s future but often it’s not the person’s fault, the test is to blame. I also understand that they need to see where we are and this is most convenient,” said Amerie Fernandez, 8th grader.

Most students agree it’s necessary to a degree while other think it’s a waste of time.
“I think it is needed, but I know brilliant people fail it, and it comes down to them not being good test takers,” said Fernandez. The State of Texas says it’s to assess a student’s achievements and knowledge learned in the Grade level.

The preparation for the tests consist of long reviews at school, a small pep talk and good sleep and breakfast.“I usually make sure that I at least sleep and usually study material that can be studied depending on the test,” said Tracy Berumen, 8th grader.

There’s always been something students have wanted to add to the test to make it more comfortable to take.“To have a break at some point not for talking but like for stretching because I struggle to sit in a room for that long,” said Fernandez.

Teachers prepare specifically for the STAAR Test every year and each year they try to teach more efficiently toward higher goals for students.”To speak to the students like real emotional people,” said Cisneros.”That they should not talk too much about the test because it makes some kids nervous like not say things that would make it seem over the top difficult,” said Berumen.

The dates are set for all STAAR Tests 8th Grade Science is on May 10, 2017,
8th Grade Social Studies is on May 11, 2017, 7th Grade Reading is on May 9, 2017
7th Grade Math is on May 8, 2017 but we already had some in March, 8th Grade Math was on March 28, 2017, 8th Grade Reading was on March 29, 2017 and 7th Grade Writing was on March 28, 2017.