Students, educators, and parents alike are planning for the 2026–2027 State Assessments, including the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) and the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS). These assessments are an integral part of gauging student progress and preparedness. Let’s look at the key Texas State Assessment testing dates for the 2026–2027 academic year.
STAAR Assessment Overview
STAAR is crucial for monitoring students’ academic progress and ensuring they are well prepared for academic challenges. The STAAR redesign required by HB 3261 (2021) impacted the testing calendar beginning in the 2022–23 school year. The change reorganized the testing windows and the calendar itself.
The 2026–2027 spring assessment cycle STAAR calendar organizes testing by grade level and places tests within a given content area in the same two-week window, regardless of the grade level assessed.
Students take 3–8 STAAR and STAAR EOC Reading Language Arts (RLA) tests first, followed by the science and social studies assessments, and finally, the math assessments.
TELPAS Assessment Overview
TELPAS evaluates the progress of Emergent Bilingual (EB) students in learning the English language by assessing their skills in four domains: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
The method for administering the TELPAS assessment depends on the student’s grade level. Kindergarten and first-grade students are holistically rated on the four language domains. Second–twelfth grade students take two online tests, one covering listening and speaking, the other covering reading and writing. The TELPAS composite score is a combination of the four domain scores.
At the student level, TELPAS is part of the reclassification criteria for exiting a student from EB status. The Progress in Achieving English Language Proficency component of Domain 3: Closing the Gaps in A–F Accountability uses TELPAS composite scores to calculate the score.
How is the Assessment Calendar Structured?
Schools will give most STAAR tests earlier in the school year because of changes to the calendar. Districts must now align the scope and sequence of their curricula to ensure they cover the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) before the STAAR administration dates.
Here is a short video that covers the STAAR Testing Calendar.
2026–27 STAAR Testing Dates
December 2026 Assessments
Assessments begin in December, with tests scheduled from November 30–December 11, 2026. These assessment administrations are usually retests for students who have yet to pass the test and cover Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and US History.
NAEP Assessment
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a common measure of student achievement across the United States.
- Assessment Window: Late January to Mid-March 2027
- Assessments: Grade 8 Science Pilot
Student Success Tool (SST) Stand-Alone Field Tests
The Student Success Tool (SST) is a new instructionally supportive assessment program that will replace the STAAR assessment beginning in the 2027–28 school year.
- Assessment Window: February 1–5, 2027
- Subjects: Grades 3–8 Mathematics, Grades 3–8 RLA, Elementary and Middle School Science, Grade 8 Social Studies, Algebra I, English I, Biology, US History (selected samples)
TELPAS Assessment
- Assessment Window: February 15–March 26, 2027
- Subjects: Grades K–12 Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing
TELPAS Alternate
- Assessment Window: February 15–March 16, 2027
- Subjects: Grades 2–12 Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing
STAAR Alternate 2
- Preview Window: March 1–April 15, 2027
- Assessment Window: March 15–April 16, 2027
- Subjects: Grades 3–8 RLA, English I, English II, Elementary Science, Middle School Science, Grade 8 Social Studies, Biology, US History, Grades 3–8 Mathematics, and Algebra I
April and May 2027 STAAR Assessments
April is a busy assessment month with testing from April 5 to April 30. Subjects include Grades 3–8 RLA, English I, English II, Elementary Science, Middle School Science, Grade 8 Social Studies, Biology, US History, Grades 3–8 Mathematics, and Algebra I.
Districts must complete make-up sessions for each testing period by the end of the two-week content-area testing window.
Download your own 2026–2027 calendar now.
June 2027 STAAR Assessments
Assessments continue into June with tests scheduled from June 14–25. These test administrations are usually retests for students who have yet to pass the test and cover Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology, and US History.
Conclusion
As we approach the 2026–2027 State Assessments, students, parents, and educators must stay informed about each subject’s test dates. Adequate preparation and a clear understanding of the assessment schedule will contribute to a successful testing experience for all involved.
For additional STAAR resources, visit our website. View Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about STAAR or read through previously answered questions. Read additional STAAR-related blog posts on the ESC Region 13 blog. View our collections of STAAR videos and playlists on YouTube. Contact our ESC Region 13 State Assessment Specialist.
Butch has worked with testing and accountability for over 15 years at the campus, district, regional, and state levels. Originally from North Carolina, Butch is the State Assessment Specialist for the Education Service Center Region 13, helping district test coordinators and others navigate the world of STAAR and TELPAS testing. He is available to answer any of your state testing policy and procedure questions.
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