This letter is for parents/guardians of Virtual Learners in 7th grade at Kelly Lane Middle School,
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR®, is an assessment program designed to measure the extent to which students have learned and can apply the knowledge and skills defined in the state-mandated curriculum standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Teachers use a variety of resources to help each student master grade level TEKS necessary to be successful in future grade levels and courses.
The most recent research estimates Texas students have lost the equivalent of 3.2 months of instructional learning during the public health crisis. During a typical summer break, students can lose 2.5 months of learning. We know it is essential to close these learning gaps as soon as possible, and performance on STAAR will help us adjust our curriculum and teaching to meet the needs of our students. You can find more information about STAAR on the Texas Education Agency’s website.
Your 7th grade student is scheduled to take the following tests at Kelly Lane Middle School:
Test | Date & Time |
STAAR Writing | April 27 at 8:25 am |
STAAR Mathematics | May 17 OR 18 at 8:25 am* |
STAAR Reading | May 19 OR 20 at 8:25 am* |
*Students will be assigned a day depending on their math class enrollment. See the STAAR Testing Participation form for more details (linked below).
Please complete this form for each virtual 7th grade student in your home.
State assessments must be administered on campus with a trained test administrator to ensure all students have an equitable opportunity to participate. We will ensure the following onsite health and safety protocols are in place:
- Virtual students will not attend in-person classes after testing. They should be picked up in the front of the school when they finish testing (we will notify you upon their completion).
- Parents/guardians are expected to screen their students for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending their student to school.
- Students will need to bring their PfISD Chromebook to school on the day of their test. Please ensure the device is fully charged.
- Each student is required to wear a face mask except when eating or drinking.
- Students who are enrolled for virtual learning will enter at the front of the building through the library at 8:25 AM.
- Temperatures will be measured upon arrival, and we will not test virtual students in the same rooms with in person learners.
- Students will be divided among testing rooms to ensure each site has the fewest possible students, and students will be appropriately spaced apart.
- Students will remain in their testing room with the exception of restroom breaks as needed.
- Students will be encouraged to use their own supplies when possible. Classroom supplies will be cleaned after each use.
- We encourage students to layer their clothing so they can adjust to the temperature in the room as well as a water bottle. Students may not drink directly from the water fountains.
Additional details can be found on the PfISD Return to Learn website: https://www.pfisd.net/Page/7838 and families are encouraged to contact the campus with any questions about health and safety protocols to expect on test days.
Thank you,
Dina Schaefer
KLMS Principal