STAAR Test 2026: Facts & Key Dates
A plain-English, source-checked reference for the 2026 STAAR test — Texas grades 3-8. Every fact here is verified against the Texas Education Agency. The big change parents and teachers keep asking about: STAAR is being replaced — but not until 2027-28.
Last verified against TEA sources: June 2026. Test dates are state windows; districts pick specific days within them.
STAAR is being replaced — but not yet
Texas House Bill 8 (89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, signed September 17, 2025) repeals and replaces STAAR beginning the 2027-28 school year. STAAR remains fully in effect for Spring 2026 and the 2026-27 school year.
What replaces it: the 'Student Success Tool'
HB 8 replaces STAAR with the Student Success Tool (SST) — three shorter tests per year (beginning, middle, and end of year) instead of one big spring test. Students first take the SST in the 2027-28 school year.
Last STAAR for grades 3-8: Spring 2027
Because the SST begins in 2027-28, the final STAAR administration for grades 3-8 is Spring 2027. The 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years are still STAAR years.
Spring 2026 STAAR Dates (Grades 3-8)
| Subject | Grades tested | Testing window |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Language Arts (RLA) | Grades 3-8 | April 6 – April 17, 2026 |
| Mathematics | Grades 3-8 | April 20 – May 1, 2026 |
| Science | Grades 5 & 8 only | Confirm exact window with TEA |
| Social Studies | Grade 8 only | Confirm exact window with TEA |
Source: Texas Assessment — Testing Calendar. Science and Social Studies windows are not listed here because they could not be independently confirmed — check the official TEA calendar.
Which Subjects Are Tested by Grade
Source: TEA — STAAR Overview.
STAAR Scoring: The Four Levels
Expected to succeed in the next grade with little or no academic intervention.
High likelihood of success in the next grade; may need short-term, targeted intervention.
Likely to succeed in the next grade with targeted academic intervention. This is the passing threshold.
Unlikely to succeed in the next grade without significant, ongoing academic intervention.
Source: TEA — STAAR Performance Standards.
The STAAR Redesign (still in effect)
Since 2022-23, no more than 75% of a STAAR test's points come from multiple-choice questions. Every Reading Language Arts test now includes an essay (extended constructed response) based on a reading passage, and the old standalone grade 4 & 7 writing tests were eliminated.
Source: TEA — STAAR Redesign.
If a child doesn't pass (HB 1416)
Students who score below "Approaches Grade Level" on STAAR grades 3-8 must receive accelerated instruction — generally 15 or 30 hours depending on performance, limited to two subjects per year, prioritizing math and reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the STAAR test going away?
Yes, but not immediately. Texas House Bill 8, signed in September 2025, replaces STAAR with the Student Success Tool starting in the 2027-28 school year. STAAR is still given in Spring 2026 and the 2026-27 school year.
When is the STAAR test in 2026?
For grades 3-8, the Spring 2026 Reading Language Arts (RLA) window is April 6-17, 2026, and the Mathematics window is April 20 - May 1, 2026. Districts choose specific test days within each state window.
What subjects are on the STAAR test by grade?
Math and Reading Language Arts are tested in all grades 3-8. Science is tested only in grades 5 and 8. Social Studies is tested only in grade 8.
What does it take to pass the STAAR test?
STAAR has four levels: Did Not Meet, Approaches, Meets, and Masters Grade Level. "Approaches Grade Level" or higher is considered passing; "Did Not Meet" is not passing.
What is the Student Success Tool replacing STAAR?
The Student Success Tool (SST) is the assessment replacing STAAR under HB 8. Instead of one end-of-year test, it uses three shorter checks per year (beginning, middle, and end of year), starting in 2027-28.
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