History of the Texas Testing Program

Assesment of Basic Skills (TABS) — First state-mandated test, in use from 1980-1985, administered to students in grades three, five and nine in reading, mathematics and writing.

Texas Educational Assessment of Minimum Skills (TEAMS) — In use from 1986-1990, tested reading, mathematics and writing in grades one, three, five, seven, nine and 11; first state test students were required to pass to earn a diploma.

Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) — In use from 1990-2002, tested reading, mathematics and writing, ultimately given to students in grades three through eight and 10, additionally science and social studies tested at eighth grade, Spanish-language tests were available for students in grades three through six, four end-of-course exams provided optional method for meeting graduation requirements.

Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) — In use from 2003 to present, assesses mathematics, reading, writing, English language arts, science and social studies; students tested in grades three through 11; promotion tied to test results for students in grades three, five and eight; graduation requirements expanded to include English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.

State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) — This is the next generation of accountability tests. They will include 12 end-of-course assessments mandated by SB 1031 in 2007 and the new grade three through eight assessments mandated by HB 3 in the 2009 legislative session. The new tests will be used beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, but accountability ratings will be suspended for this year. The new state rating system will debut in 2013.