San Benito students face state tests starting today

SAN BENITO — Starting today, students in the San Benito school district will be taking their statewide tests.

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) program, which was implemented in spring 2012, includes annual assessments for:

• Reading and mathematics, grades 3–8

• Writing at grades 4 and 7

• Science at grades 5 and 8

• Social studies at grade 8

• End-of-course (EOC) assessments for English I, English II, Algebra I, biology and U.S history.

This week, students in grade three through eighth will be testing today through Thursday.

Superintendent Dr. Adrian Vega said attendance for these testing dates is critical.

The STAAR test is a timed test.

“Please stress the importance to your children the importance of rest and proper diet during this week,” Vega said.

In addition to a positive attitude, it is important for students arrive to school on time for testing.

No cell phones or electronic devices are allowed on campuses during testing. To ensure test security is maintained, as per the Texas Education Code, “Any irregularities in test security or confidential integrity may result in the invalidation of a student’s results.”

Friday will be solely for makeup tests.

“I have no doubt that the hard work of our administration, teachers, support staff and students will pay off,” Vega said.