Texas · grades 3-8 · Spring 2027 · TEA format
STAAR 2027
Practice Tests
Full practice tests for every STAAR grade 3-8 test in math, reading and science. Each one follows TEA's 2026 released test question by question, on screens that work like the real test, with every answer explained.
Choose a grade and subject
How our practice tests match STAAR
TEA's 2026 test, question by question
The same standard, question type and points at every question number, so a practice test is the same size and shape as the real one.
The same screens and tools
Drag and drop, hot spots, graphing, number lines, drop-down menus — plus TEA's reference materials and the calculator rules of each test.
Scored the way STAAR scores
Two-point questions and written answers included, against a rubric modeled on TEA's, with every answer explained and new practice tests as your child finishes each one.
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Score levels
Spring 2026: % at Meets
| Grade | Math | Reading / RLA |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 44% | 49% |
| Grade 4 | 49% | 52% |
| Grade 5 | 47% | 57% |
| Grade 6 | 39% | 54% |
| Grade 7 | 29% | 54% |
| Grade 8 | 47% | 59% |
Math is lowest in grade 7 (29%), which TEA links to more seventh graders taking the grade 8 math test instead; reading rises to 59% by grade 8. Source: TEA Spring 2026 STAAR results.
What has changed, and what is next
House Bill 8 (2025)
Signed by Governor Abbott on September 17, 2025. Replaces STAAR with the Student Success Tool: three shorter tests a year (beginning, middle and end of year) with fast score returns. Spring 2027 is the last STAAR for grades 3-8.
STAAR Redesign (HB 3906, 2019)
Took effect with the Spring 2023 tests: multiple-choice questions may make up no more than 75% of a test's points, new interactive question types, written answers in reading (a 10-point essay and 2-point short answers), and the standalone grade 4 and 7 writing tests retired. HB 3261 (2021) moved testing online.
Accelerated instruction (HB 1416, 2023)
Any student in grades 3-8 who doesn't reach Approaches Grade Level gets a designated teacher in that subject the next year, or at least 15 hours of tutoring (30 for the lowest scores and for grade 3) in groups of no more than 4. STAAR does not block promotion.
A-F accountability lawsuits
More than 100 districts sued in 2023 to block that year's A-F school ratings, and more sued in 2024. Courts later cleared both: the 2023 ratings were released in April 2025 and the 2024 ratings in August 2025.
What Texas parents should know
- 1
Spring 2027 is your child's last STAAR in grades 3-8. After that, the Student Success Tool brings three shorter tests a year.
- 2
The reading tests now carry real writing: a 10-point essay and two short written answers, about a quarter of the points. Practice writing organized answers with evidence from the passage, not memorized templates.
- 3
Middle-school math is where scores drop: 47% of fifth graders reached Meets in 2026, but 39% of sixth graders and 29% of seventh graders. Fractions, ratios and proportional reasoning are the usual gaps.
- 4
STAAR is online, and up to 43% of a test (grade 3 math in 2026) is drag and drop, hot spots, graphing, drop-down menus or written answers. Practicing on the same kind of screens takes the surprise out of test day.
- 5
Spanish STAAR is available for grades 3-5 in math, reading and grade 5 science. Ask your school if your child is eligible.
Texas standards, not Common Core
STAAR tests the TEKS, which Texas writes itself. Practice built for Common Core does not line up with it standard by standard.
When STAAR happens
Spring 2027 windows from TEA: reading April 5-16, grade 5 and 8 science and grade 8 social studies April 12-23, math April 19-30. Under TEA's 2026-27 reporting schedule, grades 3-8 results go to districts on May 28, 2027, and to the Family Portal on June 15, 2027.
Who runs it
The Texas Education Agency (TEA), led by Commissioner Mike Morath, writes and scores STAAR and publishes released tests each year.
Questions parents ask
Is STAAR going away?
Yes, after Spring 2027. House Bill 8, signed September 17, 2025, replaces STAAR with the Student Success Tool starting in the 2027-28 school year. Spring 2027 is the last STAAR for grades 3-8.
When is the STAAR test in 2027?
TEA's 2026-2027 testing calendar sets the Spring 2027 windows for grades 3-8: Reading Language Arts April 5-16, grade 5 and 8 science and grade 8 social studies April 12-23, and math April 19-30, 2027. Districts pick the exact days inside each window. TEA expects grades 3-8 results 4-5 weeks after the windows close.
Where can I find official STAAR practice tests?
TEA posts its released STAAR tests, including the 2026 tests, on its Practice Test Site, where students take them on the same online screens as the real test. TEA no longer publishes PDF versions. Our practice tests copy the 2026 released tests question by question, then add new tests and explanations for every answer.
What states take the STAAR test?
Only Texas. STAAR stands for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, and the Texas Education Agency gives it in Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools. Other states use their own tests, such as FAST in Florida, the New York State Tests and MCAS in Massachusetts. From 2027-28, Texas replaces STAAR with the Student Success Tool.
What grades and subjects does STAAR test?
Math and Reading Language Arts (RLA) in every grade 3-8, science in grades 5 and 8, and social studies in grade 8. TEA calls the test RLA at every grade, including grade 3, though many families still call it the reading test.
What is a passing score on STAAR?
"Approaches Grade Level" or higher is passing; "Meets Grade Level" is on grade level and is Texas's proficiency target; "Masters" is advanced. In spring 2026, passing took 16 of 37 points in grade 3 math and 18 of 52 in grade 3 reading (TEA's 2026 cut scores). Our STAAR passing scores page lists every grade.
Are your STAAR practice tests like the real test?
Each one follows TEA's 2026 released test question by question: the same standard, question type and points at every question number, TEA's reference materials and calculator rules, and written answers scored against a rubric modeled on TEA's.
Is STAAR available in Spanish?
Yes, for grades 3-5 in math and reading, and for grade 5 science.
Does Texas use Common Core?
No. STAAR tests the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills), which Texas writes itself; Texas never adopted Common Core.
What happens if my child does not pass STAAR?
STAAR does not block promotion. Under HB 1416 the school must provide accelerated instruction: a designated teacher next year or at least 15 hours of small-group tutoring.
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TEA's 2026 format, every answer explained, and a new practice test whenever your child finishes one.
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