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!
Janet: STAAR course instructor
As an educator for 20 years in both the US and Canada, I enjoying working with students of all ages. With a background in Special Education and tutoring for test prep (GED, ACT, SAT), I have a heart for those who find it difficult to succeed in the classroom. It is my passion to encourage students and help them learn strategies to succeed in their education and in life. ... All students have the ability to learn, so the challenge, as a teacher or tutor, is to understand how the student learns best. Utilizing that learning style, I desire to encourage the student and provide opportunities for the student to succeed. Beyond the current learning style, I believe it is important to equip the student with skills to learn in any classroom environment which they may encounter. Critical thinking skills are equally important to prepare the student for both classroom success and life.
Education & Certification
- Moody Bible Institue - Bachelors, International Mnistries
- Lamar University - Masters, School Counseling
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- ISEE
- ACCUPLACER ESL - Reading Skills
- SAT Reading
- +64 subjects
Rachelle: STAAR course instructor
...learning sink-in and stick. My priority is to not only teach the student, but to get to know the student so I can be a more effective teacher. I recently graduated with my Elementary Education degree and I am so anxious to put what I learned to work. I also love being outdoors and being active. My favorite experiences growing up were going to camp, and I still love trying new things and being adventurous....
Education & Certification
- Wichita State University - Bachelor in Arts, Elementary Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Reading
- ISEE
- +20 subjects
Connor: STAAR course instructor
...introductory physics, economics and for the MCAT exam. I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in assisting pre-professional (pre-medical and pre-nursing) students looking to succeed in their required general science classes. My tutoring methodology is dependent on the establishment of a strong conceptual framework, and subsequent application of theory through practice problems (the best way to master any pure science). I frequently employ the use of problem sets and...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- High School Business
- Physics
- Biology
- +42 subjects
Iselee: STAAR course instructor
...in the state of Texas. I love learning, imparting knowledge, and bilingualism, and I am eager to assist students with academic goals. Previously, I've taught 3rd grade bilingual courses including English and Spanish literacy and grammar as well as math, science, and social studies. I have also tutored high school and university writing and math. I have extensive writing and editing experience as well as lesson planning, curriculum assessment, and critical evaluation ability. A lifelong...
Education & Certification
- Loyola Marymount University - Bachelors, Spanish
- Johns Hopkins University - Current Grad Student, Digital Communication
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- AP Economics
- Middle School Math
- C#
- +72 subjects
Kennikka: STAAR course instructor
...and my major was Psychology. I am currently working to obtain my Master's degree in Curriculum and Education from Texas A& M University Commerce. I've been in the field of education for about 5 years total. I started out in Higher Education, before I became a middle school teacher. My hobbies include reading suspense stories, traveling, painting, horseback riding, and my most favorite thing to do is spending time and creating memorable experiences with my...
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix - Bachelors, Psychology
- Texas A & M University-Commerce - Current Grad Student, Curriculum and Education
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- College English
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- English
- +14 subjects
Talia: STAAR course instructor
...College in 2008, double majoring in Psychology and Sociology. In 2011, I received my California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. I have been working in classrooms, providing academic support, since 2004. I have extensive experience working with individuals with special needs, from moderate to severe, and the gifted population. I am highly adept in tailoring education to fit each learner's needs, while maximizing output, motivation, and self-confidence. I sincerely enjoy working with children, listening to their...
Education & Certification
- Williams Collegee - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology & Sociology
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- English
- Arithmetic
- IB Psychology SL
- +43 subjects
Theresa: STAAR course instructor
I love the look a child gets in their eyes when they begin to understand a concept that has alluded them in the past. Whether teaching my class or working one on one with a student, seeing that success is what I strive for.... All students are capable of being successful. As a teacher, it's my job to identify the strategies and resources that will put each student I work with on the path to success.
Education & Certification
- Lycoming College - Bachelor in Arts, Music
- Johns Hopkins University - Master of Arts Teaching, Elementary Education
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Other
- Homework Support
- 6th Grade
- +91 subjects
Monica: STAAR course instructor
...the parts they don’t know or guide them into discovering how to work the problem. After that, I will provide examples or use similar problems to have them work it out themselves to make sure that they understand the process. I will also have the students return to that same type of problem later on in the session to reinforce what they have learned. Of course, I understand that each student is different and may...
Education & Certification
- University of North Texas - Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies: 4th-8th grade math
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- Summer
- Pre-Calculus
- English Grammar and Syntax
- +19 subjects
Nicole : STAAR course instructor
...I am working as an itinerant teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing 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...
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
- Study Skills
- History
- Literature
- +26 subjects
Koga: STAAR course instructor
...mathematics at the middle and high school level as a Teach For America corp member in the Dallas Independent School District. I know that the confidence that a student receives when they finally understand a concept that has alluded them is powerful enough to positively impact them in all arenas of their life, not just in school. Confidence in your own ability is a powerful thing! I am excited to be part of the Varsity...
Education & Certification
- University of Kansas - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- STAAR
- English
- Elementary Math
- College English
- +17 subjects