Reading Sage: Raising STAAR Test Scores Test!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Raising STAAR Test Scores Test!

How to Raise Scores on the STAAR Reading, Math, and Science Test!

How do you raise or improve STAAR Reading, Math, Science Test scores FAST? Improving STAAR Reading, Math, and Science test scores fast is best accomplished by studying tier 2 and tier 3 academic test words. The STAAR test website provides a guild and explanation of STAAR testing and neglects the testing vocabulary in any real or helpful way. Math, Reading and Language Arts vocabulary are divided into individual content specific RIT levels. The tier 2 and 3 vocabulary is not directly or explicityly covered in the STAAR Standard but it is easy to find other resources to prepare for STAAR testing. Academic Vocabulary list below are my favorite resources to prepare my daily lessons and curriculum. The lists below are a good resource to start studying for the STAAR test in 2014-2015.

Tier 1 Basic words that commonly appear in spoken language. Because they are heard frequently in numerous contexts and with nonverbal communication, Tier 1 words rarely require explicit instruction.Examples of Tier 1 words are clock, baby, happy and walk.

Tier 2 High frequency words used by mature language users across several content areas. Because of their lack of redundancy in oral language, Tier 2 words present challenges to students who primarily meet them in print. Examples of Tier 2 words are obvious, complex, establish and verify.

Tier 3 Words that are not frequently used except in specific content areas or domains. Tier 3 words are central to building knowledge and conceptual understanding within the various academic domains and should be integral to instruction of content. Medical, legal, biology and mathematics terms are all examples of these words.

Reading Test Sample Problems.pdf
Language Test Sample Problems.pdf
Math Sample Problems.pdf
Science Sample Problems.pdf

Math GRADE 3
Sample Items Scoring Guide
Math GRADE 4
Sample Items Scoring Guide
Math GRADE 5
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 6
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 7
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 8
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 9
Sample Items Scoring Guide
GRADE 10
Sample Items Scoring Guide

Sample MAP math test question samples!
RIT Reference Chart for Mathematics: Sample Math Test question for all RIT levels

Tier 1 Basic words that commonly appear in spoken language. Because they are heard frequently in numerous contexts and with nonverbal communication, Tier 1 words rarely require explicit instruction.Examples of Tier 1 words are clock, baby, happy and walk.

Tier 2 High frequency words used by mature language users across several content areas. Because of their lack of redundancy in oral language, Tier 2 words present challenges to students who primarily meet them in print. Examples of Tier 2 words are obvious, complex, establish and verify.

Tier 3 Words that are not frequently used except in specific content areas or domains. Tier 3 words are central to building knowledge and conceptual understanding within the various academic domains and should be integral to instruction of content. Medical, legal, biology and mathematics terms are all examples of these words.

Links to PDF Academic Word List

Oklahoma Academic Vocabulary Suggested Words and Terms Marzano based list
School Speak Word List
The Tennessee Academic Vocabulary Project

Academic Tier 3 Reading Glossary
PDF
Word

Academic Tier 3 Mathematics Glossary
PDF
Word

Academic Tier 3 Writing Glossary
PDF
Word

Academic Tier 3 English Language Arts Glossary
PDF