The topic of STAAR tests is controversial among students and teachers. Most students strongly dislike these tests, likewise many teachers do not see the need in having these tests. The STAAR tests can add additional stress on students and also teachers.
Preparing for these tests can be extremely time consuming. The classes that have a STAAR test mostly spend time trying to get students to pass the exam. In junior high, students use Study Island to practice the type of questions the tests will ask. In high school, students gather up all the information they learned throughout the school year and study it. Students also try to mentally prepare for these tests with some simple everyday things. These strategies include going to sleep earlier the night before the exams, eating a good meal for breakfast, and bringing fulfilling snacks to eat during the tests.
Students also use strategies during the tests to make them focus so they can pass. Some of these strategies are time management, reading the instructions carefully, answering easy questions first, elimination method and highlighting key information.
Time management is one of the most important strategies used by students. Students often keep an eye on the clock to make sure they have enough time to answer all the questions. Some might devote more time to each section or question.
The elimination method is another important strategy used by students. For multiple choice questions, student often eliminate the obvious incorrect answers first, which increases the chances of choosing the right one answer.
While many strategies can help students with the STAAR tests, the exams can still add pressure on people. Students can stress for days about whether they know the right material and if they will be able to answer the questions correctly.
These tests also has a narrow curriculum focus which makes teachers prioritize teaching content directly assessed on the STAAR, neglecting other important areas of learning. While teachers are trying to help students study for these answer specific questions, they also have to teach critical thinking skills beyond test preparation which can be very hard.
Therefore, the STAAR tests should not be necessary because they adds lots of pressure on students and teachers. Although this test helps ensure that Texas students are competitive with other students both nationally and internationally, these exams add too much pressure on students and teachers.