Algebra 1 STAAR/EOC Exam FAQ’s

Q: Does the Algebra 1 EOC count this year?
A: YES!! It does count towards high school graduation, and if a student fails to meet the minimum score on the test, they will have to retake it at a later date. It does NOT count for Tier 2 or towards the student's final grade, but it is one of the twelve EOC exams that must be taken to graduate from high school.

Q: What is the STAAR/EOC exam?
A: The STAAR/EOC (End of Course) exam replaces the TAKS test. For secondary subjects, it is usually called the EOC and for grades 1-8, it is usually referred to as the STAAR test.

Q: What date will my student take the Algebra 1 EOC?
A: Middle School Algebra 1 students will take the EOC on Wednesday, May 9th.

Q: How long will the test be?
A: The test will consist of 54 problems with 5 of them being griddable (ie not multiple choice) problems.

Q: The TAKS test was untimed. Is there a time limit on the STAAR/EOC test?
A: YES! There is a strict 4 hour time limit. Missing answers will be counted as incorrect responses.

Q: Do my 8th grade students have to take the 8th grade math STAAR test and the Algebra 1 EOC as well?
A: NO. This year, Algebra 1 students will only take the Algebra 1 EOC test. They will have to take the 8th grade Science, Social Studies, and English/Language Arts STAAR tests, but NOT the 8th grade math STAAR.

Q: Are calculators allowed on the Algebra 1 EOC?
A: Yes. Graphing calculators, graph paper, and a reference sheet will be given to every student that takes the Algebra 1 EOC.

Q: Does the score count towards my student’s final grade?
A: Not this year. The state mandates that the Algebra 1 EOC grade counts as 15% of a student’s final average, but Lake Dallas ISD has been granted a one year waiver on this requirement.

Q: Is there somewhere I can go to get more information about the STAAR/EOC tests?
A: Yes, there are several places to go to get additional information. The easiest is here:

1. Go to www.ldisd.net
2. On the right hand side of the page, there is a link called STAAR Testing Information.
3. Place your mouse on the link, and you will see three options:
a. A brochure called “STAAR General Brochure” which contains information primarily for 8th grade STAAR tests and below.
b. A brochure called “STAAR EOC Brochure” which contains information primarily for high school EOC tests (INCLUDING ALGEBRA 1).
c. The testing calendar for the district.

4. Go to the Texas Education Association’s web site for STAAR resources: www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/