A cumulative score in each of the four core content areas – math, science, English and social studies – will impact a student’s eligibility for graduation. A student is required to achieve a cumulative score that is at least as high as his/her cumulative score target.
The specific cumulative score target for each student will vary depending upon the student’s graduation plan and when he/she takes their first EOC exams in each content area.
The cumulative score target is calculated by multiplying the scale score for Level II: Satisfactory Academic Performance that is in effect for the student (phase-in 1, phase-in 2, or recommended) by the number of tests he/she is required to take in each content area. For example, many students who take their first math STAAR EOC assessment in 2012 or 2013 will have a cumulative score requirement of 10500 for mathematics based on the Level II performance standard of 3500 for each math EOC (3500 + 3500 + 3500 = 10500).
A student must achieve a score that is at least as high as the minimum score in order for his/her score to count in the cumulative score. However, only achieving a minimum score on each EOC required for graduation will not meet the cumulative score requirement. View TEA’s STAAR cumulative score requirements here.
In addition to meeting the cumulative score requirement in each of four core content areas, students will have to meet a specified performance level on the Algebra II assessment and English III assessment to graduate under the Recognized and Distinguished graduation plans. (Please note that the default program for all NEISD students is the Recommended plan. Any student considering graduation on the Minimum program must see a counselor for further information.)
Please also visit NEISD graduation requirements to view
- Lists of courses and credits required for graduation
- Four-year plan worksheets and samples
The STAAR graduation criteria is further explained with examples in Graduation Step by Step.
STAAR Step 1: Obtain a cumulative passing score or higher (All graduation plans)
High school students will earn four cumulative scores -- math, science, English and social studies -- based on their performance on each individual EOC exam. A student’s cumulative score is determined using the student’s highest score on each EOC assessment. The specific cumulative score target for each student will vary depending upon the student’s graduation plan and when he/she takes the first EOC exam in each content area. View TEA’s STAAR cumulative score requirements here.
To graduate, a student must achieve a cumulative score in each content area equal or greater than the TEA passing standard multiplied by the number of assessments taken. (cumulative score ≥ Level II scale score x number of assessments taken)
Example 1a:
If the Level II passing standard on each of the three math EOC assessments is at 3500, then a student on the Recommended High School Program will need a cumulative score for math ≥ 10500 (3500 x 3 = 10500).
For a single EOC score to count toward the student’s cumulative score, a minimum score must be achieved. However, achieving only the minimum score on the EOC assessments will not meet the cumulative passing standard.
Example 1b:
The Level II passing standard on each of the three math EOC assessments is set at 3500, so the student’s cumulative score must be equal or greater than 10500. However, the minimum score on the three math EOC assessments is set at: 3371 for Algebra I, 3362 for Geometry and 3350 for Algebra II.
If a student obtains the minimum score on all three math exams, he/she will not me the cumulative score requirement of 10500 (3371 + 3362 + 3350 =10083). Since 10083 does not meet the cumulative score requirement of 10500, the student must retake one or more tests to meet the cumulative score target.
North East ISD has developed a chart for each EOC exam, which provides guidance on whether a retake is required based on a student’s test performance and graduation plan. Review the district’s recommendations here.
STAAR Step 2: Pass the Algebra II and English III EOC (Recommended High School Program)
In addition to achieving Step 1, students will have to achieve Level II: Satisfactory Academic Performance on the Algebra II EOC and English III EOC to graduate on the Recommended High School Program. This passing score represents a higher level of performance than the minimum score.
STAAR Step 3 (Optional): Perform satisfactorily on the postsecondary-readiness components of Algebra II and English III (Distinguished Achievement Program)
The Algebra II and English III EOC assessments will include a performance standard that indicates postsecondary-readiness, referred to as Level III: Advanced Academic Performance. TEA will establish the performance requirements for postsecondary-readiness that those students on the Distinguished Achievement Program will be required to meet. If a student does not perform satisfactorily on the postsecondary-readiness component of the EOC assessments for Algebra II or English III, the student may retake the assessment.