Texas state testing is changing. Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, Texas will replace the STAAR test with the new Student Success Tool (SST) under House Bill 8. This STAAR replacement marks one of the most significant Texas state testing changes in recent years.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will oversee the implementation of the Student Success Tool as part of this statewide assessment transition.
The shift moves Texas toward a growth-focused, multi-window assessment model, providing data throughout the year instead of relying on one high-stakes spring exam.
Here’s what Texas educators need to know.
What Is the Student Success Tool (SST)?
The SST introduces three assessment windows per year for grades 3–8:
- BOY (Beginning of Year): September
- MOY (Middle of Year): January/February
- EOY (End of Year): May
Spanish assessments will continue for grades 3-5.
Key Changes from STAAR
- BOY and MOY assessments will be adaptive
- Shorter exams
- Adjust based on student responses
- Designed to provide precise student-level growth data
- EOY will remain a static assessment
- Used for accountability ratings
- RLA writing will be administered in April, with full results released in May
This structure shifts the emphasis from a single accountability event to continuous measurement of TEKS mastery and student growth.
| STAAR | Student Success Tool (SST) |
|---|---|
| Single spring assessment | BOY, MOY, EOY windows |
| Static | Adaptive (BOY & MOY) |
| Accountability-heavy | Growth-focused |
SST Testing Timeline and Purpose
| Assessment Window | Timeline | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | September | Establish baseline and guide early instruction |
| MOY | January-February | Measure growth and adjust instruction midyear |
| EOY | May | Measure TEKS mastery and determine accountability |
What’s Changing for High School EOCs?
High school End-of-Course (EOC) exams will see fewer changes.
- English II will be eliminated, though still required for students graduating in 2026-2027.
- Algebra I, Biology, English I, and U.S. History will maintain required EOY exams.
- Optional BOY and MOY assessments may be available.
While the structure remains similar, districts will need stronger systems for monitoring TEKS mastery throughout the year.
How Edcite Supports Texas Districts During the SST Transition
The move from STAAR to SST requires more than adjusting to new test names: it requires a year-round TEKS-aligned assessment strategy.
2026–2027: Preparing for the SST Model
During the transition year, Texas districts can use STAAR-aligned assessments in Edcite to mirror the BOY-MOY-EOY cadence.
This allows schools to:
- Build growth-tracking systems
- Practice adaptive-style checkpoint timing
- Identify instructional gaps earlier
- Prepare students for consistent digital assessment experiences
Rather than waiting for SST implementation, campuses can begin aligning now.
2028 and Beyond: TEKS-Aligned Assessment Support
TEKS-Tagged Question and Assignment Banks
Edcite’s content is tagged to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards.
Educators can:
- Assess recently taught standards immediately
- Ensure rigor aligns to Texas expectations
- Build reassessments before BOY, MOY, and EOY windows
Benchmark and EOC Readiness
Edcite includes released STAAR materials and high-rigor items that can function as:
- Interim benchmarks
- Spiral review checkpoints
- EOC progress monitors
Technology-Enhanced Item Types
With 60+ question types, Edcite supports:
- Constructed response practice
- Multi-step problem solving
- Authentic demonstration of mastery
- Daily formative assessment
This aligns well with SST’s focus on meaningful student-level growth data.
Immediate TEKS-Level Reporting
While SST will provide state-level growth and accountability data, Edcite enables:
- Real-time standards reporting
- Mastery tracking between testing windows
- Class, campus, and district visibility
- Instructional adjustment before EOY accountability
Preparing for the Future of Texas State Testing
The replacement of STAAR with the Student Success Tool represents a significant shift in Texas assessment policy.
Districts that proactively:
- Align instruction to TEKS
- Implement BOY–MOY–EOY progress monitoring
- Use formative and benchmark assessments strategically
will be better positioned for stronger student growth and accountability outcomes.
Learn More About TEKS-Aligned Assessment with Edcite
Want to prepare your campus or district for the transition from STAAR to SST?
Book a demo here to see how Edcite supports:
- TEKS-aligned instruction
- Growth monitoring across assessment windows
- Targeted intervention planning
- Authentic assessment design
As educators adapt to the Student Success Tool, Edcite remains committed to supporting TEKS-aligned instruction, meaningful growth measurement, and confident decision-making at every assessment window.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Student Success Tool (SST)
When will Texas replace STAAR?
Texas will replace STAAR beginning in the 2027–2028 school year under House Bill 8.
What is the Student Success Tool (SST)?
The Student Success Tool is Texas’s new state testing model featuring BOY, MOY, and EOY assessments designed to measure student growth and TEKS mastery.
Are SST BOY and MOY exams adaptive?
Yes. BOY and MOY assessments will adjust to student responses to provide shorter, more precise growth data.
Will high school EOC exams change?
English II will be eliminated, while Algebra I, Biology, English I, and U.S. History will continue as required EOY exams.
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