Assessments
Committed to Student Growth
Limitless
At WISD, our mission is for every student to flourish—academically and personally. We support district and campus leaders by equipping them with the insights and information they need to make thoughtful, strategic decisions. Through this collaborative approach, we lay the groundwork for teachers and students to thrive together.
In This Section
Student Success
- Accelerated Instruction
- Assessments
- Digital Testing
- Reminders
- STAAR Resources
- Testing & Reporting
- Testing Transparency
- Contact Us
Accelerated Instruction
Accelerated Instruction Requirements in Texas
Schools have requirements for ensuring students achieve learning targets. Accomplishing this task may impact staffing, scheduling, and the increased use of tutors in schools. Accelerated instruction was addressed by the 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature House Bill 4545. Texas law requires all students who do not achieve approaches or higher on the STAAR in grades 3-8 or EOC assessments to be provided accelerated instruction. HB 4545's requirements were recently updated with the passage of House Bill 1416 in the 88th legislature, providing that qualifying students must be:
- Assigned a TIA-designated teacher for the subsequent school year in the applicable subject area; or
- Provided supplemental instruction aligned with the research on high-impact tutoring in the TEKS for the applicable grade levels and subject areas in the following manner:
-
- No less than 15 or 30 hours, depending on student performance, and is provided in the summer or at least once per week in the school year.
- Limited to two subjects per year, prioritizing math and RLA.
- Provided in a group of no more than four students, unless the parent or guardian of each student in the group authorizes a larger group.
- Designed to assist the student in achieving satisfactory performance in the applicable grade level and subject area, and includes effective instructional materials designed for supplemental instruction.
- Provided by a person with training in the applicable instructional materials for the supplemental instruction and provided by one person for the entirety of their accelerated instruction.
Key Changes in Requirements from HB 1416
House Bill 1416 updated the accelerated instruction requirements from House Bill 4545 by:
- Removing the requirement for Accelerated Learning Committees while requiring an Accelerated Education Plan after a student fails to achieve approaches or higher on two consecutive assessments in the same subject area
- Limiting tutoring to 2 subjects and no longer including optional assessment administration
- Increasing the student-to-tutor ratio from 3:1 to 4:1 for the tutoring group size
- Reducing the minimum time requirement from 30 to 15 minutes for some students
- Providing student-to-teacher ratio waivers for use of approved online curriculum (approvals available spring 2024)
- HB 1416 requires TEA to define requirements for students requiring 30 hours of supplemental instruction through the rulemaking process.
- TEA will propose rules that will provide that students who fall into the "Low Does Not Meet" category of STAAR performance receive no less than 30 hours of supplemental instruction.
- The rules will also provide that students in third grade who do not approach grade level or higher will be required to receive 30 hours of supplemental instruction.
Assessments
- Advanced Placement Exams
- CIRCLE Testing
- College Entrance Exams
- Credit by Exam
- Interims
- Measures of Academic Progress
- State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness
- Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
- Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System
- Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2
Advanced Placement Exams
For more information on AP exams, visit the College Board website.
CIRCLE Testing
CIRCLE Progress Monitoring System (PreK)
This standardized, criterion-referenced measure enables a teacher to quickly assess a child’s progress in a particular skill area. The CIRCLE Progress Monitoring System provides teachers with immediate feedback that shows children’s progress in:
• Language & Communication
• Emergent Literacy: Reading
• Emergent Literacy: Writing
• Mathematics
• Social and Emotional Development
Teachers use information from the CIRCLE Progress Monitoring System to inform instructional decision-making for small-group and individual lesson planning.
College Entrance Exams
It is never too early to prepare for college, especially when it comes to the SAT and ACT college entrance exams. Although test scores are not the only thing colleges look at, they are part of the process and determine eligibility for academic scholarships. Utilize this page as a resource guide for study materials.
ACT
The ACT covers four academic areas (with an optional writing test):
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Scientific Reasoning
Students receive a composite score of 1 to 36.
Check out these helpful tips for taking the ACT
SAT
The SAT covers three academic areas - English, math, and reading. SAT scores range from 400 to 1600.
Credit by Exam
Credit by Exam (CBE)
This testing program is offered by Waxahachie ISD for enrolled students in grades Kindergarten through 12. The purpose of CBE testing can be for acceleration (a student wishing to test out a grade level or course without having had prior instruction) or recovery of credit (for a failed course).
There is no CBE to skip PreK. Review this important information before completing the CBE application:
- Testing is available to Waxahachie ISD students who are currently enrolled in a Waxahachie ISD school.
- Students may not attempt CBE for a grade or course that they are currently enrolled in.
- Students in Grades K-8 who are attempting to test out of the next grade level may register to test on any of the above dates. If the criteria for acceleration are met, placement in the next grade level will only occur at the start of the following school year.
- All tests are available in English only.
- Completed applications are due by the application deadline. Counselors will verify the information, sign and submit it to the Planning, Evaluation, and Research Office.
- Applications must be received by the Planning, Evaluation, and Research Office by 5:00 pm of the day listed as the deadline date.
- Late applications will be transferred to the next available test date.
Interims
Measures of Academic Progress
Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
- Available for students in grades Kindergarten - 10
- This computer-adaptive interim assessment creates a personalized assessment experience by adapting to each student’s learning level, precisely measuring student progress and growth for each individual.
Waxahachie ISD will administer the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress for Growth, or MAP Growth, assessments as part of a comprehensive assessment system. NWEA MAP Growth is a nationally normed, standardized achievement test that measures what learners know and informs what they are ready to learn next by using a computer-adaptive test that adjusts to the ability and knowledge of the learner. Your child's educator will use individual needs and help him/her progress in the assessed area. Because the assessment is a growth measure, it can track the growth of the learner between testing events and over multiple years of testing.
All learners in grades K-12 will be evaluated using NWEA MAP Growth assessments in math and reading. Grades 3-8 will also take NWEA MAP science assessments. Please check with your child's campus for dates.
For more information about NWEA and the MAP Growth assessments, visit the following websites:
State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness
STAAR
The STAAR program includes the following yearly tests:
- Reading and Math → Grades 3-8
- Science → Grades 5 and 8
- Social studies → Grade 8
- End-of-Course (EOC) tests → English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, and U.S. History
While the state removed the A-F Accountability labeling for Texas schools and districts, the individual responsibility for students has not been removed. All students will take the corresponding STAAR, STAAR Alternate, TELPAS, and TELPAS Alternate assessments.View the TEA Press Release
Students are to be tested at their enrolled grade level as required in the Texas Education Code §39.023 (a).
The information in the calendar outlines all the upcoming testing dates, how they impact students, and other essential information to consider on those testing days. Students must be present at school on the day these assessments are given. The data provided by these assessments helps identify strengths and weaknesses and allows faculty to build action plans to monitor each student’s academic learning and improve the curriculum each year. Please join us in working toward our students’ success by making sure they are in school for each of the testing days.
The state does not offer an “at-home” option for students to take state assessments. Our goal is to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all students while testing.
STAAR Alternate 2
STAAR Alternate 2 is an assessment based on alternate academic achievement standards and is designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who meet eligibility requirements. STAAR Alternate 2 is a paper-based assessment administered for:
- Math → Grades 3-8
- Reading → Grades 3-8
- Science → Grades 5 and 8
- Social Studies → Grade 8
- End-of-Course (EOC) Assessments → Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and US History.
Resources
Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
TAKS
Beginning with the 2017–2018 school year, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) assessments will no longer be administered. Students for whom TAKS is a graduation requirement, including former TAAS and TEAMS examinees, may pursue the following options to receive a Texas high school diploma.
Request a District Decision
A former student should contact the school district where he or she was last enrolled to request a district decision regarding whether he or she qualifies to graduate and receive a high school diploma. More information about this option can be found in Texas Administrative Code (TAC) 74.1027. If you have questions about TAC §74.1027, please contact the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division at (512) 463-9581 or via email.
Archive Satisfactory Performance on an Alternate Assessment
The alternate assessments allowed for TAKS are SAT, ACT, TSI, and STAAR. Former TAKS, TAAS, and TEAMS examinees should take only the appropriate part of the alternate assessment he or she need to fulfill testing graduation requirements. More information about this option can be found on TAC 101.4003.
If you have questions about TAC §101.4003, contact the Student Assessment Division at (512) 463-9536 or via email.
For more information about the TAKS test, visit or contact the following:
- Visit the TEA website for testing information
- TAC §101.4003: Contact the Student Assessment Division at (512) 463-9536 or via email.
- Email Dawn Hilburn for district information.
Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System
The TELPAS assesses the progress of learning the English language for our limited English proficient (LEP) students. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are eligible to take this assessment. Results from the test help the instructors to better serve the academic needs of the students.
TELPAS Alternate
TELPAS Alternate is designed to measure the English language proficiency of English learners (ELs) with the most significant cognitive disabilities who cannot participate in the general TELPAS assessment, even with allowable accommodations in grades 2-12.
TELPAS Alternate is a holistic inventory aligned to the Texas English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPs); however, TELPAS Alternate is based on alternate proficiency level descriptors (PLDs) that were created to address the specific access needs of this student population. As with TELPAS, students assessed with TELPAS Alternate will be assessed in four language domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
TELPAS Alternate Assessment
- February 21 - April 1
- Grades 2-12
- listening, speaking, reading, writing
The TELPAS is a required assessment by the Texas Education Agency. Visit the TEA website for more information
Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2
The TSIA 2 is a college readiness exam created by the College Board to meet the requirements established by the Texas Legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. TSIA 2 assessments align with the Texas College and Career Readiness standards and evaluate students' skills and college readiness in reading, mathematics, and writing. The TSIA2 can also be utilized to determine if a student qualifies for Dual Credit courses.
Dual Credit Eligibility
In order to meet the eligibility requirements of our higher institution partner and to establish that our students are qualified to perform entry-level college coursework.
- Students taking TSIA2 to enroll in a WHS Dual Credit course may take each test section free of charge two times.
- If a student does not meet the passing requirements the first time, he/she may take the TSIA2 one additional time free of charge. It is recommended for students to use the tutorial platform n Apex as well as the results from TSIA to help prepare before taking TSIA2 a second time.
- Students needing a 3rd attempt may contact their school counselor for testing options including information for remediation.
- WHS/Global may give TSIA2 testing opportunities to students free of charge for students enrolled in English II/III and Algebra II.
For more information on TSIA 2, visit the College Board website.
Digital Testing
If students have a school-issued laptop, they are required to bring that device for testing. If students have a personal device that is Windows-based, they may bring it for testing. Students will not be able to use Apple devices or any other device that is not Windows-based. All devices must be fully charged and ready to begin on testing day.
Reminders
- Avoid scheduling appointments on testing dates, if possible.
- Students cannot be checked out while testing. Testing must be completed before leaving.
- If a testing day is missed, students will be required to test on a subsequent day(s).
- Students who do not test or do not meet testing requirements will be placed in HB4545 Acceleration classes as required by the state.
- STAAR Tests are timed 4-hour tests, while English 1 and English 2 are 5 hours.
- All STAAR Assessments will be taken in person an online format.
- Students must bring their district-issued devices fully charged on test day.
- If a student is using a personal computer, it can only be a Microsoft-based machine, and the student will need to have the device loaded with the testing application. See librarians before test day.
- It is important that the district-issued devices have been shut down and restarted within 30 days before testing to ensure the machine is fully updated.
- There is a limited number of extra devices. If students fail to bring theirs, an alternate test day may be necessary.
- Students can bring a fiction book to read (No Kindles or E-Readers) after testing.
- Textbooks, non-fiction books, or homework will not be permitted.
- For test security purposes, personal electronic devices are prohibited.
- Music devices, cell phones, smart watches, data storage devices, video games, or cameras will NOT be permitted in the testing rooms.
- Due to the serious nature of such an offense, if a prohibited device is in use during testing hours, the student will have disciplinary consequences and will be reported to the state as a testing irregularity.
- WISD will not be responsible for lost or damaged phones.
- Students are expected to follow the dress code.
- No pillows, blankets, or pajamas.
- Students may bring a bottle of water and quiet snacks.
- It is recommended to bring a sack lunch.
- Students needing to purchase lunch will be escorted to the cafeteria and back to the testing location, which reduces the time to eat.
- We encourage each student to get a good night’s sleep, eat breakfast, take their time, and do their very best. We have full confidence in each student!
STAAR Resources
Testing & Reporting
Testing Transparency
School districts that receive Title 1, Part A funds to post on the website of each school served information on each assessment required by the state to comply with 20 U.S.C. 6311, other assessments required by the state, and assessments required district-wide.
- STAAR Grades 3 - 8 Reading and Math
- STAAR Grades 5 and 8 Science
- STAAR Grade 8 Social Studies
- End of Course for English I, II, Algebra I, U.S. History, and Biology
- TELPAS Grades K-12 assesses the progress of limited English proficient students
STAAR Testing
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, commonly referred to as its acronym STAAR, is a series of state-mandated standardized tests used in Texas public primary and secondary schools to assess a student's achievements and knowledge learned in the grade level. It tests the curriculum taught from the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, which in turn is taught by public schools.
TELPAS Testing
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) designed the Texas English Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) to assess the progress that limited English proficient (LEP) students make in learning the English language.