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 last year (or the...

This post specifically looks at how formulas can be used solve problems involving linear relationships, including the form y = mx + b. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here. Formulas Formulas account for around 38% of each 8th grade STAAR test. These formulas are applied to solve problems related to volume, surface area, triangles, similar shapes, linear relationships, and finances. The main function of a formula is to understand the relationship between quantities. In fourth...

This post specifically looks at how formulas can be used solve problems involving simple and compound interest. Read more about TEKS Tools and their rationale here. Formulas Formulas account for around 38% of each 8th grade STAAR test. These formulas are applied to solve problems related to volume, surface area, triangles, similar shapes, linear relationships, and finances. The main function of a formula is to understand the relationship between quantities. In fourth grade, students were...