Short Answer
Complete Explanation
On the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Skills (STAAR), “Approached” (formally termed “Approached Grade Level”) is one of the performance levels used to categorize student results. It serves as the baseline for academic proficiency, indicating that a student has a basic understanding of the tested material and is likely to succeed in the next grade level with reasonable support.
- Performance Threshold: Students who score in this range are considered to have passed the assessment.
- Academic Standing: It signifies that the student is not significantly behind in their grade-level knowledge but may not have mastered all concepts to a high degree of fluency.
- Comparison: It is the lowest of the three positive performance levels, sitting below “Meets Grade Level” and “Masters Grade Level.”
History / Background
The STAAR program was implemented by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to replace the previous TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) system. The shift toward a more nuanced scaling systemâmoving from simple pass/fail to a tiered performance level systemâwas designed to provide educators and parents with a more detailed understanding of a student’s academic standing. By introducing levels such as Approached, Meets, and Masters, the state could better identify students who are merely proficient versus those who are excelling beyond the standard requirements.
Importance and Impact
The “Approached” designation is critical for school accountability and student placement. For the student, it generally means they have met the state’s minimum requirement for that specific subject. For the school, the percentage of students scoring at or above the “Approached” level is a key metric used in state accountability ratings. If a high percentage of students fall below this level (scoring as “Did Not Meet”), it may trigger interventions or a review of the school’s instructional methods.
Why It Matters
Understanding this term is essential for parents and students during the review of score reports. Because the term “Approached” can sound ambiguousâas if the student almost reached the goal but failedâit is important to clarify that it actually represents a passing score. It helps distinguish between students who require intensive remediation (Did Not Meet) and those who may simply need a few targeted reinforcements to reach the “Meets” or “Masters” levels.
Common Misconceptions
“Approached” means the student failed to reach the standard.
In the STAAR scoring system, “Approached Grade Level” is a passing score and indicates the student has met the basic requirements.
All students who “Approach” are at the same academic level.
“Approached” covers a range of raw scores; some students may be very close to the “Meets” threshold, while others are just above the “Did Not Meet” threshold.
FAQ
Is 'Approached' a passing grade?
Yes, 'Approached Grade Level' is considered a passing score on the STAAR test.
What happens if a student scores 'Did Not Meet'?
Students who do not reach the 'Approached' level may be eligible for tutoring, remediation, or required re-testing depending on school policy.
What is the difference between Approached and Meets?
'Approached' indicates basic proficiency and that the student is on track, whereas 'Meets' indicates a more secure level of mastery of the grade-level content.
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