Which group is included in the Texas State Accountability (STAAR) assessment?

The Texas State Accountability (STAAR) assessment includes economically disadvantaged students as part of its accountability measures. This inclusion is crucial because the STAAR assessments are designed to evaluate the academic performance of all public school students in Texas, with the aim of ensuring that educational equity is afforded to every student, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Economically disadvantaged students often face unique challenges that could affect their educational outcomes. By including this group in the STAAR assessments, the Texas education system acknowledges the need to monitor performance across different demographics and develop targeted interventions to support these students. This approach aligns with the broader goals of accountability in education, which emphasize not just overall performance but the performance of specific subgroups to ensure that all students have access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed.

The other groups mentioned—students in private schools, only students in gifted programs, and students not enrolled in state-funded schools—do not fall under the purview of the STAAR assessments. Private school students are not mandated to participate in state assessments since they are not funded by the state. Similarly, STAAR assessments are specifically designed for public school students, and residential education programs focus on all students, including those in special education, but do not limit the assessment to only gifted programs. By excluding