This post specifically looks at how algebraic reasoning can be used to translate problem situations to algebraic representations . Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Algebraic Reasoning Algebraic reasoning accounts for around 27% of each 6th grade STAAR test. This thinking does not use a visible tool but instead relies on applying algebraic concepts to expressions, equations, and inequalities. The main function  of algebraic reasoning is to identify relati

This post specifically looks at how algebraic reasoning can be used to solve one-step equations and inequalities . Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Algebraic Reasoning Algebraic reasoning accounts for around 27% of each 6th grade STAAR test. This thinking does not use a visible tool but instead relies on applying algebraic concepts to expressions, equations, and inequalities. The main function  of algebraic reasoning is to identify relationships in probl

This post specifically looks at how algebraic reasoning can be used to solve one-step equations and inequalities . Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Algebraic Reasoning Algebraic reasoning accounts for around 27% of each 6th grade STAAR test. This thinking does not use a visible tool but instead relies on applying algebraic concepts to expressions, equations, and inequalities. The main function  of algebraic reasoning is to identify relationships in probl

This post specifically looks at how number lines can be used to solve problems involving ratios, rates, and percents . Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Number Lines Number lines account for around 34% of each 6th grade STAAR test. Within this tool are many uses: understanding number and operations, equivalent forms, linear relationships, and ratios, rates, and percents. The main function  of a number line is to solve problems involving the four operation

This post specifically looks at how number lines can be used to generate equivalent forms and understand linear relationships . Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Number Lines Number lines account for around 34% of each 6th grade STAAR test. Within this tool are many uses: understanding number and operations, equivalent forms, linear relationships, and ratios, rates, and percents. The main function  of a number line is to solve problems involving the four

This post specifically looks at how number lines can be used to understand place value relationships and solve operational problems . Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Number Lines Number lines account for around 34% of each 6th grade STAAR test. Within this tool are many uses: understanding number and operations, equivalent forms, linear relationships, and ratios, rates, and percents. The main function  of a number line is to solve problems involving the

This post specifically looks at how formulas can be used solve problems involving unit conversions. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Formulas Formulas account for around 8% of each 6th grade STAAR test. These formulas are applied to solve problems related to area, volume, and converting units. The main function of a formula is to understand the relationship between quantities. In fourth grade, students were first introduced to the formulas for area and

This post specifically looks at how formulas can be used solve problems involving volume. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Formulas Formulas account for around 8% of each 6th grade STAAR test. These formulas are applied to solve problems related to area, volume, and converting units. The main function of a formula is to understand the relationship between quantities. In fourth grade, students were first introduced to the formulas for area and perimeter

This post specifically looks at how formulas can be used solve problems involving area. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Formulas Formulas account for around 8% of each 6th grade STAAR test. These formulas are applied to solve problems related to area, volume, and converting units. The main function of a formula is to understand the relationship between quantities. In fourth grade, students were first introduced to the formulas for area and perimeter of

This post specifically looks at how equal groups strip diagrams can be used to solve a variety of problems. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here . Strip Diagram Strip diagrams account for around 6% of each 6th grade STAAR test. Within this tool are many variations: part-whole, equal groups, and comparison. First introduced in 3rd grade, their usefulness diminishes as the numbers and operations increase in complexity. The main function of a strip diagram is to

Since the 2022 STAAR redesign, aka STAAR 2.0, a noted increase in complexity has emerged. Students are asked to think and solve in ways that even cause some adults to pause. Rather than more drill and test prep, a more nuanced approach is needed to ensure student success. Each year's test brings new surprises, and it's necessary for us to equip them with better tools to make sense of the problems. Process standards Instead of prepping them based on what the test looked like l

Using a modified version of the statewide item analysis report, I examined the readiness standards that had less than 60% mastery. Each standard has both an analysis of the items themselves to infer what made them so difficult and instructional implications for educators to ensure a more successful 2026 STAAR test. Standard # of items % mastery 6.8D 1 25 6.7D 1 28 6.5B 1 31 6.8A 1 41 6.12D 1 42 6.10A 1 46 6.3E 2 49.5 6.2D 2 50.5 6.12C 2 51.5 6.4B 2 51.5 6.13A 1 55 6.3D 2 55

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The 2023 6th Grade Math STAAR introduced statewide online testing and several new item types. Using a modified version of the statewide...

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