The Somerset Surveyor
Somerset ISD Assessment Department
P.O. Box 279; 7791 6th Street; Somerset, Texas 78069
October 2014
Volume 1; Issue 2
NEW STAAR
ASSESSMENTS
2014 - 2015
STAAR A is an online version of STAAR that contains certain embedded accommodations such as pop-ups, rollovers and oral
administration (i.e. text-to-speech). STAAR A is available for Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies and all EOCs.
STAAR A does not contain field test items and the passing standard for STAAR A is the same as any STAAR assessment.
STAAR A Eligibility Requirements:
 The Student has an identified disability and is receiving special education services.
 The student is identified with dyslexia or a related disorder as defined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter §38.003
and is receiving Section 504 services
STAAR Alternate 2 is an assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards for students with significant cognitive
disabilities receiving special education services.
STAAR Alternate 2 Eligibility Requirements:
Students receiving special education services that meet ALL of the following participation requirements:
 Have a significant cognitive disability (intellectual disability)
 Requires specialized supports to access the grade-level curriculum and environment.
 Requires intensive individualized instruction in a variety of instructional settings.
 Access and participate in the grade level TEKS through prerequisite skills.
Testing Window: February 9 – February 20
A valuable resource, the Educator Guide, can be found and downloaded from:
Texasassessment.com/administrations/STAAR-A/resources
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT UPDATES FOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Oral Administration
A student may use the accommodation if he/she
 Routinely and effectively uses it during classroom instruction and testing
 AND meets on of the following:
SPECIAL EDUCATION
SECTION 504
GENERAL EDUCATION
Identified with dyslexia or a related disorder per
TEC §38.003
Identified with dyslexia or a related disorder per
TEC §38.003
Evidence of reading difficulties
Evidence of reading difficulties
Identified with Dyslexia or a related disorder
per TEC §38.003
Supplemental Aids
Any student who receives special education services or receives Section 504 services as a student identified with dyslexia or a
related disorder per TEC §38.003, may use this accommodation if he/she
 Routinely, independently, and effectively uses the accommodation
 Has a disability that affects memory retrieval, focus, or organization that is severe enough to prevent him/her from
learning and retaining information despite multiple opportunities to learn.
Math Manipulatives
Any student who receives special education services or receives Section 504 services as a student identified with dyslexia or a
related disorder per TEC §38.003, may use this accommodation if eh/she
 Routinely, independently, and effectively uses the accommodation
 Has a disability that affects memory retrieval, focus, or organization that is severe enough to prevent him/her from
learning and retaining information despite multiple opportunities to learn OR has a visual impairment.
Calculators
Although 8th grade students are allowed calculators for STAAR Math as part of the Calculator Policy, Calculators are still considered
accommodations for 8th grade STAAR Science. Students must meet the eligibility criteria of being assigned a calculator for the science
test. The student must:
 Routinely and effectively uses it during classroom instruction and testing
 And meets one of the following:
Grades 3 & 4
Grades 5 & 6
Physical disability and cannot effectively use other allowable
materials
Impairment in vision and cannot effectively use other
allowable materials
Physical disability and cannot effectively use other allowable
materials
Impairment in vision and cannot effectively use other
allowable materials
Disability that affects mathematics calculations even after
intensive instruction and remediation.
The Somerset Independent School District Mission is to provide exemplary preparation for higher education and life.
Beverly K. Lee, Assessment Coordinator
Assessment Department
7791 6th Street, Room 8
Somerset, Texas 78069
Phone: 1-866-852-9858 ext. 6139
Fax: 1-866-852-9860