CSCOPE and STAAR
Overview
In 2011-2012, Texas student assessments change from TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) to STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness).
The name change reflects a shift in focus from current achievement to assessment of academic readiness for future success. This shift brings a tighter alignment between the taught and tested curriculum by testing current grade level TEKS (except for 5th and 8th
grade science) and by aligning the rigor of the test item with the rigor of the TEKS.
As communicated by the Texas Education Agency, “The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™) … includes the 12 end-of-course (EOC) assessments mandated by SB 1031 in 2007 and the new grade 3–8 assessments mandated by HB 3 in 2009. The new tests will be implemented in the 2011–2012 school year.” The table below reflects current STAAR and CSCOPE structures.
NOTE: The information detailed here may change due to future mandates from the Texas legislature and/or new information provided by the Texas Education Agency.
How will CSCOPE address new STAAR requirements?
STAAR assessments are aligned to the TEKS, and the TEKS are the cornerstone of every CSCOPE component. Therefore, if teachers utilize CSCOPE as a systemic approach to teaching and learning, they will be preparing students for STAAR. The table below reflects how CSCOPE is currently in line with STAAR elements:
| STAAR | CSCOPE |
|---|---|
Many test questions in Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies will be dual coded to show the connection between content TEKS and process TEKS. |
Instructional Focus Documents (IFDs) bundle Student Expectations to connect Readiness and Supporting standards. |
| Test questions will align to the content AND cognitive rigor of the TEKS. | IFDs and Vertical Alignment Documents (VADs)* highlight the COGNITIVE RIGOR of each Student Expectation (the verbs) that will be assessed on STAAR and ensure teachers are informed of the depth and complexity to which they should be teaching. |
*Reference to the Vertical Alignment Documents includes TEKS Clarification Documents.
CSCOPE has already conducted an initial review of curriculum components in all content areas with regard to requirements set forth in STAAR communications from TEA, including the Readiness and Supporting standard designations. The table below reflects CSCOPE’s planned revision process to further address STAAR components.
| CSCOPE Component | Revisions Applicable to STAAR Requirements |
|---|---|
| Year at a Glance (YAGs) | YAGs have been revised (as necessary) to ensure that all newly identified Readiness and Supporting TEKS are bundled into units BEFORE the STAAR assessment occurs. |
| TEKS Verification Matrix | TEKS are labeled Readiness or Supporting on the TEKS Verification Matrix as applicable. |
| Vertical Alignment Documents* | TEKS are identified as Readiness or Supporting on the VAD* as applicable. |
| Instructional Focus Documents | IFDs have been revised (as necessary) to ensure TEKS are bundled appropriately. Performance Indicators at all grade levels are being reviewed to ensure that the Readiness and Supporting standards are the primary focus of the performance assessment(s) in the unit. |
| Unit Tests | Unit tests continue to bundle Student Expectations and mirror the content and cognitive rigor of the TEKS. . |
| Exemplar Lessons | Exemplar lessons are aligned to the IFDs and continue to include strategies that promote the CONTENT and COGNITIVE rigor of the standards, as well as highlighting Readiness and Supporting standards as applicable. |
| *Reference to the Vertical Alignment Documents includes TEKS Clarification Documents. | |
Who do I contact for more information about STAAR and CSCOPE?
Please contact your local supporting Education Service Center for more information. Click here to view regional contacts for CSCOPE.