For STAAR testing season, students across Texas prepared with a list of strategies and routines. From reviewing past exams to relying on year-long classroom learning, many found that preparation doesn’t always mean cramming.
The STAARs students will take this year include the freshman English 1, Biology, and Algebra 1 STAAR; sophomore English 2 STAAR; junior US History STAAR. All seniors are excused from any state testing.
“To prepare, I look over previous STAARs that have been published and practice by reviewing them,” sophomore Sofie Trevino said.
Many people have different ways of preparing, and like Trevino mentioned, some utilize past STAAR tests that have been released to practice their test-taking skills. Others recommend keeping priorities straight and focusing in class to minimize the amount of studying needed before the big exam day.
“The most important thing to do is to make sure you pay attention throughout the whole year in your class because everything you need to know is taught to you,” junior Luciana Ponce DeLeon said.
Ponce DeLeon mentions that being present in your classes helps students gain the skills they need to be successful for their EOCs. Students have developed different routines in order to feel confident for the big day.
“I recommend getting lots of rest, and not stressing about it too much,” freshman Winnie Xiao said.
Like many others, Xiao has established a regimen that helps in her STAAR preparation. Considering everything, many people simply need a few words of support from previous test-takers to feel at ease.
“Some advice I would give to upcoming sophomores taking the English 2 STAAR is to not be nervous about it, to take your time, and to get a good night’s sleep beforehand,” Trevino said.
