The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) replaced the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) in spring 2012. The Texas Education Agency (TEA), in collaboration with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and Texas educators, developed STAAR in response to requirements set forth by the 80^th, 81^st, and 83^rd Texas legislatures. This new system focuses on increasing postsecondary readiness of graduating high school students and helps to ensure that Texas students are competitive with other students both nationally and internationally.

The STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) program replaced the grade-level TAKS assessments formerly administered to high school students. Students take the associated EOC exam when they complete Algebra I, biology, English I, English II, and U.S. history regardless of grade level. Following a multi-year phase-in of standards, the following four performance categories for STAAR were implemented in spring 2017: 

• Masters Grade Level
• Meets Grade Level
• Approaches Grade Level
• Did Not Meet Grade Level

The STAAR Alternate 2 assessment is available for students with significant cognitive disabilities.