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Exam Overview
Exam Overview
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Grade 7 Mathematics test is the statewide end-of-year mathematics assessment for seventh graders in Texas public schools. It is developed and administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and measures the Grade 7 mathematics Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
38
Questions
46
Points
No
Calculator
4
Reporting Categories
1
Test Format at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of questions | 38 questions (released spring test) |
| Total points | 46 points: 30 questions are worth 1 point and 8 non-multiple-choice questions are worth 2 points each |
| Question types | Multiple choice plus non-multiple-choice items such as drag and drop, inline choice, hot spot, equation editor, number line, multiselect, and text entry |
| Delivery | Online in most cases; paper versions are available only as an accommodation |
| Testing time | Designed so most students finish in about 3 hours; sessions are usually scheduled for 3 to 4 hours, and a student who needs more time may continue until the end of the regular school day |
| Calculator | Not permitted on the Grade 7 test (calculators are allowed only for students with an approved accommodation) |
| Reference materials | The Grade 7 Mathematics Reference Materials (formulas and measurement conversions) are provided during the test |
| Scoring | Raw score points are converted to a scale score, which places each student in one of four performance levels |
2
Reporting Categories
Every question is reported in one of four categories. The counts come from the most recent released Grade 7 test and give a good picture of how the points are spread.
| Reporting category | What it covers | Released test |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Probability and Numerical Representations | Sets and subsets of rational numbers; sample spaces; theoretical and experimental probability; predictions and simulations | 6 questions · 7 points |
| 2. Computations and Algebraic Relationships | Operations with rational numbers; unit rates and constant rates of change; proportional relationships; percents; linear relationships; two-step equations and inequalities | 14 questions · 17 points |
| 3. Geometry and Measurement | Similar figures and scale drawings; π and circles; composite area; volume and surface area of prisms and pyramids; angle relationships | 13 questions · 15 points |
| 4. Data Analysis and Personal Financial Literacy | Comparing two groups with dot plots and box plots; random samples and inferences; sales and income tax; budgets; net worth; simple and compound interest; sales, rebates, and coupons | 5 questions · 7 points |
How This Guide Maps to the Test
Sections 1 and 2 of this guide build the number, rate, and percent skills used across Categories 1 and 2. Section 3 covers the algebra in Category 2. Section 4 covers geometry, measurement, data, and probability (Categories 1, 3, and 4). Section 5 covers the financial literacy part of Category 4.3
What the Questions Look Like
- Most questions are set in real-world situations: shopping, travel, sports, recipes, school events, and money decisions
- Many questions include a table, graph, number line, dot plot, box plot, or geometric figure
- Multi-step questions are common: find a unit rate and then use it, or find a sale price and then add tax
- Non-multiple-choice items ask you to type a number, build an equation, place a point on a number line, or select every correct answer
4
Scoring and Performance Levels
Raw score points are converted to a scale score. The scale score places each student in one of four performance levels:
| Performance level | What it means |
|---|---|
| Masters Grade Level | Expected to succeed in the next grade with little or no academic intervention |
| Meets Grade Level | High likelihood of success in the next grade, with some short-term intervention possible |
| Approaches Grade Level | Likely to succeed in the next grade with targeted academic intervention |
| Did Not Meet Grade Level | Unlikely to succeed in the next grade without significant, ongoing intervention |
Key Point
There is no penalty for a wrong answer. Answer every question, including the 2-point items, because partial credit is possible on those.5
Changes Ahead
House Bill 8
Texas House Bill 8 replaces the single end-of-year STAAR test with three shorter tests given at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. Until that change takes effect, STAAR Grade 7 Mathematics is the test described in this guide. Check TEA's student assessment pages for the current testing calendar.6
Skills the Test Emphasizes
- Computing fluently with positive and negative fractions and decimals without a calculator
- Recognizing and using proportional relationships in tables, graphs, equations, and words
- Writing and solving two-step equations and inequalities that model a situation
- Applying area, volume, and surface area formulas from the reference materials
- Interpreting data displays and probabilities to make predictions and comparisons
Finished reading?
Next, start the first chapter.