Statewide Assessment

The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test is a criterion-referenced assessment that measures student academic performance in Texas in grades three through eleven. The questions on the TAKS test are based on the state-wide curriculum, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Students are tested in two or more of the following academic subjects each year: reading, English language arts, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students must pass all content areas of the eleventh grade test in order to be eligible to receive a Texas high school diploma. The purpose of TAKS is to provide feedback and accountability for learning.

TAKS includes a form called TAKS (Accommodated) for students served by special education who meet the eligibility requirements for certain specific accommodations. The TAKS (Accommodated) form includes format accommodations (larger font, fewer items per page, etc.) and contains no embedded field-test items

TAKS–Modified (TAKS–M) is an alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards and is designed for students receiving special education services who meet participation requirements for TAKS–M and for whom TAKS is not appropriate. TAKS–M covers the same grade-level content as TAKS, but TAKS–M tests have been modified in format (larger font, fewer items per page, etc.) and test design (fewer answer choices, simpler vocabulary and sentence structure, etc.).

TAKS–Alternate (TAKS–Alt) is an alternate assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards and is designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities who meet the participation requirements. TAKS–Alt is not a traditional paper or multiple-choice test. Instead, the assessment involves teachers observing students as they complete teacher-designed activities that link to the grade-level TEKS curriculum. Teachers then score student performance using the TAKS–Alt rubric and submit results and evidence through an online instrument.

The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) is an annual assessment that measures the English language proficiency of second language learners on a scale that includes the level of beginning, intermediate, advanced and advanced high. English language proficiency is measured in four domains in the TELPAS: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Statewide Performance Data
For information regarding TAKS data, please visit the Accountability web pages.

Resources:

Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/

Just for the Kids
http://www.just4kids.org/en/about_us/