For the past several weeks, 8th grade ELAR teacher Jill Martinez has been preparing her students for the upcoming STAAR test. They have been reviewing the types of questions that are asked on the test, along with major English TEKs, so that students know how to approach the questions.

Despite all the time spent on mastering the STAAR, Martinez still has mixed emotions about the test.

“We need to be tested to show what we know, but we also need to realize that one test doesn’t show everything we know,” she said.

Eighth graders in particular are really feeling the pressure this year.  After all, they must pass math and reading to move on to 9th grade.

Some students are feeling as if they don’t know everything they need to know for test.

Eighth grader Cara Fine is on the fence about taking her test.

“I’m sure I will do good, but I just feel that I don’t know everything I will need to know yet,” Fine said.

Worrying about knowing everything necessary to pass the test is nerve-wracking, especially since there is only a short period of time before STAAR testing begins. The tests will take place March 30-31 and April 20-22.

“I’m definitely nervous for STAAR,” 8th grader Nicole Sain said. “If I don’t pass, then I don’t go to high school.”

It can be difficult to focus as students flip pages and finish their tests while others are still working, but 8th grader Dasia Parks thinks she will have no trouble with STAAR.

“I like to think that taking this test is just like any other,” Parks said. “I didn’t do bad on the benchmarks, so I should be fine for STAAR.”

5 Tips to help you for testing  

• Keep a positive attitude. It might be tough, but you can do it.  A positive attitude goes a long way.

• The night before, do a quick review and get to bed early for a good night’s sleep.

• Do not skip breakfast. Get to school on time and do a 10-minute review and ask any questions you might have.

• Before the test begins, make sure you have everything you need including extra No. 2 pencils

• Manage your time. Answering the easy questions first can be a timesaver and confidence builder. It also saves more time in the end to do the harder questions.