If you are considering enrolling your student in a STAAR prep course, Varsity Tutors offers private STAAR classes that may help them improve their study skills. The STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) exams are taken by all students grades 3-12 to determine what they are learning and whether they are ready for the academic rigors of the next grade level. Standardized tests can feel daunting, so a STAAR class can help build your student's confidence as exam day approaches!
One of the first things discussed in a typical STAAR course is the structure and content of the exams your student is preparing for. If you aren't sure what they should go over during STAAR prep class sessions, the chart below provides a breakdown of the STAAR schedule by grade level:
STAAR Test | Grade Level or Course |
Reading | Grades 3-8 |
Math | Grades 3-8 |
Writing | Grades 4 and 7 |
Science | Grades 5 and 8 |
Social Studies | Grade 8 |
EOC (end of course) | Algebra I, US History, Biology, English I, English II |
The beauty of private STAAR prep classes is that they are flexible enough to adapt to any student's needs. For instance, let's say that your student is in Grade 8. They have four STAAR tests on their plate this year: Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies. A typical STAAR course might spend equal time on all four subjects, but most students are stronger in one or more than the others. Spending an equal amount of time on everything isn't the optimal solution in most cases.
Let's add that your student excels in reading comprehension, so you're not really worried about the Reading STAAR. Strong reading comprehension skills also make Social Studies easier, so that one is probably fine too. It looks like this hypothetical student might be best served by concentrating on the Math and Science STAAR exams, with maybe a little bit of review for the other two, during their STAAR courses. Of course, sessions could also focus on Reading and Social Studies in the opposite scenario.
Once you know which exams your student should concentrate on, STAAR prep courses might go over the specific contents of those tests. Returning to the example above, the following graphic breaks down the concepts on the Grade 8 Math STAAR exam:
STAAR Grade 8 Math Topics
- Numerical Representations and Relationships
- Computations and Algebraic Relationships
- Geometry and Measurement
- Data Analysis and Personal Financial Literacy
Again, working with a private instructor allows students to concentrate on any subject. If your student has strong algebraic skills but has a harder time with geometry, their instructor might provide extra geometry practice problems for more experience. A private instructor may also be able to incorporate your student's interests to make studying more engaging. For example, financial literacy can seem dry as a standalone topic, but framing it as saving for a video game may make it more interesting.
We also try to make STAAR test prep as convenient as possible. Our Live Learning Platform allows your student to meet with their instructor online, taking the hassle out of private STAAR prep courses. We also do our best to match every student with an instructor who meets your scheduling needs. After all, no kid should have to compromise sports, hobbies, or even relaxation time just to study for a test.
If you're ready to learn more about our STAAR classes, contact Varsity Tutors today for more information. Educational Directors are currently standing by to address any questions you have!
Connor: STAAR course instructor
...student possesses the ability to grasp even the most complex of topics, and I have built my tutoring career on this premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology, chemistry, physics, and economics for high school students. In addition to this, I also tutor students in college level general chemistry, general biology, organic chemistry, introductory physics, economics and for the...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SSAT
- ISEE
- +43 subjects
Elissa: STAAR course instructor
As a tutor, my role is to guide students toward finding their own answers. I help them realize how much they already know and apply that knowledge to new learning. When there are gaps in the background knowledge, I help to fill those in. If you need to catch up on a class you're behind in, learn strategies for test-taking, or just have somebody else explain a concept you're not getting, I can help!
Education & Certification
- Angelo State University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- ACT
- +27 subjects
Kay: STAAR course instructor
...Counseling and an MBA. I have over 20 professional years advocating and giving a voice to the issues plaguing communities, 10 years in the classroom as a Substitute Teacher and countless years as a tutor. I have extensive experience with learners who have other contributing factors which hinder them academically. It is my belief all students are able to achieve academic success and I work tireless to identify strategies to assist them in overcoming hurdles....
Education & Certification
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - Bachelors, Psychology
- Webster University - Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology
- Webster University - Masters, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests
- ACT
- ASVAB
- +75 subjects
Jeremy: STAAR course instructor
...my teaching. While this might frustrate some tutors, I fully enjoy my job as a tutor. Not only does it give me a sense of accomplishment when I have educated someone on a subject he or she previously did not understand, but it is also a good practice of patience and teaching styles I will need as a future physician. I shadowed Dr. Sunil Jain, a pediatrician at UTMB, during summer in 2012. In the...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelor of Science, Biology minor Prehealth
- University of North Texas Health Science Center - Master of Science, Health Management and Policy
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- +50 subjects
Madeline: STAAR course instructor
...and I have spent a good amount of time teaching as well. I want all students that I tutor to feel comfortable when I am tutoring them and I believe all students have the ability to improve. I am very comfortable teaching all subjects for grades up to 9th grade and, when dealing with high school courses, I love to tutor most math and science courses including many AP courses. I also have a lot...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +117 subjects
Tom: STAAR course instructor
...tests and successfully move up a grade. It is a wonderful experience to help students learn, and many of those whom I work with are really smart but just ned a little guidance, confidence, or an understanding at how to look at a problem a little differently. My main subject areas have been English, Writing, Public Speaking, Math, Science, United States History and Geometry. I also tutor standardized test taking. One of my strengths as...
Education & Certification
- Ohio University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Interpersonal Commmunication/Business
- University of Phoenix-Dallas Campus - Master of Science, Business Administration/Marketing
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- GED
- College Essays
- +30 subjects
Brittany: STAAR course instructor
...and adaptability. Highly motivated and flexible, I learn quickly and commit myself to any task I take on.. You will find me to be a very creative and enthusiastic person with the patience and care to build an innovative workplace. I am eager to grow in my profession and would welcome the chance to discuss the contributions that I could make to your organization, as well as my abilities and experience in greater detail. I...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Arkansas - Bachelors, Philosophy
- Brock University - Masters, Philosophy/ Comparative Literature
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- ACT
- ASPIRE
- +51 subjects
Amanda: STAAR course instructor
...and have been dancing professionally for the past 3 years since I graduated in 2012. Working with youth and helping students discover their true potential for success, regardless of background or barriers, has always been a deep-seated passion of mine. I, myself, a first generation college student hailing from a low income family, want to emphasize how important it is to have a growth mindset and to work hard to achieve the goals that are...
Education & Certification
- San Jose State University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Dance
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- CAHSEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Algebra
- +25 subjects
Andy: STAAR course instructor
...a multitude of both professional and private teaching/tutoring experience and skills. The teaching certification program I completed is heavily focused on STEM education and creating well-rounded students for today's technology centered world. Our lesson plans were both hands-on and thoroughly engaging while ensuring efficacy in education. I firmly believe that every student has the potential for "math literacy"; with a little help, anyone can be a math-confident person. I am most comfortable teaching math subjects...
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary Studies
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- GED
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +52 subjects
John: STAAR course instructor
I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC in 2008, the oldest English speaking acting conservatory in the world. I graduated Summa from University of St Thomas with a BA in English, and just wrapped up a MS in Data Science from Northwestern. I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.... Positivity. Always. I believe that if a student is given positive tools and is allowed to understand the material rather than be lectured at, they're more likely to do well in the future.
Education & Certification
- American Academy of Dramatic Arts - Associates, Acting
- University of St. Thomas - Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT
- HSPT
- ACT
- +110 subjects
Nicole : STAAR course instructor
...from grades 1 up to 12. Working with this demographic has allowed me to focus on literacy development regardless of hearing status as I work to accommodate students within the Common Core. My strongest skill set lies in literacy and I enjoy teaching history (especially American!). While I am new to PA/NJ, I am familiarizing myself with the local Standardized Tests and have experience prepping students for similar tests. Aside from teaching, I enjoy reading,...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern University - Bachelors, American Sign Language and English Interpreting, History
- Teachers College at Columbia University - Masters in Education, Education - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- HSPT
- ISEE
- College English
- +26 subjects
Nina: STAAR course instructor
...which is just really them needing it to be presented in a way that makes sense to them:) I teach to all modalities (visual, tactile, and auditory). What that means is...if your child is a visual learner meaning they need to SEE it ...I use lots of pictures and other visual aids, if they learn better by listening then I combine the visual with lots of descriptions, if they need to use their body and...
Education & Certification
- RCC/CSUSB - Bachelors, Sociology-Associates / Liberal Arts
- SDSU - Masters, Educational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- CAHSEE
- SSAT
- WISC IV
- +39 subjects
Kristie: STAAR course instructor
...of East County. I tutored children K-8 in all subjects, especially English, Grammar, Reading, Writing, problem solving, storytelling, Math, organization, and study skills, while pertaining to the open curriculum of "La Clase Magica". I have also tutored elementary-aged children through the YMCA Mentorship program focusing on daily homework tasks and study skills. Since graduation, I have spent the last year living and working in Washington, DC in the nonprofit sector. I thoroughly enjoyed my work...
Education & Certification
- UC- San Diego - Bachelor in Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SSAT
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +28 subjects
Tomas: STAAR course instructor
...degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, Ma. Six years later, I moved to Dallas, TX to work as an elementary school teacher in an urban school district. I've been here for ten years and have spent the entire decade working in education. I have taught all subjects and almost all grades in elementary school. In 2011 I graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Master's in Bilingual Education. In recent years, I have worked as...
Education & Certification
- Brandeis University - Bachelors, Political Science & History
- Southern Methodist University - Masters, Bilingual Education
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- Phonics
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +16 subjects
Whitney: STAAR course instructor
...teacher whose desire is to help create a culture of life-long learners by nurturing my students' natural curiosity. While pursuing my degree in Elementary Education, I was a private in-home tutor as well as a tutor within a school district. After receiving my degree, I taught 4th grade English/Writing and Social Studies for 4 years, 3rd grade Science and Social Studies for 2 years, and then 3rd grade Reading and Social Studies for 1 year.
Education & Certification
- Angelo State University - Bachelors, Interdisciplinary Child Development
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- GED
- ASPIRE
- PSAT
- +50 subjects
Sarah: STAAR course instructor
...to make a connection with them and bring alive pre-algebra, phonics, the questioning mechanics of the SAT - whatever the student is learning. When a connection is made, we can bridge the gaps and make learning fun and lasting. Everyone can be a math person, everyone can love grammar, everyone can write a stellar paper. Every student is different, and every student can achieve success. In my free time I love running (I'm training for...
Education & Certification
- Vanderbilt University - Bachelor in Arts, Art History
- American University of Paris - Master of Arts, Communications
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- SSAT
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +17 subjects
Alonso: STAAR course instructor
...in early mathematics courses such as trigonometry, algebra and elementary statistics. While at my university I also worked with adult students pursuing a GED. Ultimately, mathematics is not about memorizing formulas but about the logical process of arriving at a conclusion. Ideally, my job will consist of reminding the student of the tools at their disposal and they will make the leap themselves towards their desired answer. This ability to think about problems is not...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics major, Statistics minor
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ACT
- SAT
- ISEE
- +44 subjects
Asim: STAAR course instructor
I was inspired to teach by my own experiences in the class room, in particular by my math and English teachers. Above all, they treated me as an individual, encouraging me to achieve my personal best. In math, my teachers enthusiasm and commitment motivated me to work hard, and I hope to turn this around and share this with others.
Education & Certification
- University of Punjab - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
- The University of Texas at Austin - Masters in Education, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- SAT Subject Tests
- ACT
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- +23 subjects
Nolan: STAAR course instructor
...tutor a wide variety of subjects including math, Spanish, ESL, and test prep. I really enjoy tutoring geometry and algebra or SAT prep. My tutoring strengths include finding multiple ways to explain things for my students and giving real value to the learning process so that information can be retained. Outside of the academic world, I love to listen to and make music. I play volleyball, rugby, and soccer in my free time.... I make it easier to understand curriculum by emphasizing simplicity: What do we want to know? What do we know? How can we bridge the gap? I can help you learn in many different ways, but you always start with those answers.
Education & Certification
- Ursinus College - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- PSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- +40 subjects
Education & Certification
- Iowa State University - Bachelor of Science, Elementary School Teaching
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- STAAR Grades 3-8
- ISEE- Lower Level
- +11 subjects