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Thank you for subscribing to the TEA mathematics newsletter!
Below you will find information related to the following topics.
- ESTAR/MSTAR Assessment and 2025-2026 Testing Windows
- Middle School Advanced Mathematics TEKS Now Available
- Texas Virtual School Network - Middle School Advanced Mathematics
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ESTAR/MSTAR Assessment and 2025-2026 Testing Windows
The Elementary School Student in Texas Algebra Ready (ESTAR) and the Middle School Student in Texas Algebra Ready (MSTAR) assessments were created to help drive instructional decisions about students' algebra readiness and support district and campus multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). Success in algebra is key to success in higher mathematics as well as post-secondary success in STEM-related careers.
The ESTAR/MSTAR universal screener consists of approximately 24 questions that assess students’ understanding of positive whole and rational numbers along with understanding of variables, expressions, and equations. This screener can be administered three times a year to monitor the progress of at-risk students. Following the administration of the ESTAR/MSTAR universal screener, select students should be given the ESTAR/MSTAR diagnostic assessment so that the teacher can understand the students' learning needs and see which areas of accelerated instruction would benefit their students. Additional tools within the system provide decision-making support for campus and district MTSS teams.
For more learning and training on the ESTAR/MSTAR universal screener and diagnostic assessments, please visit the ESTAR/MSTAR webpage of Texas Gateway Resources.
2024-2025 ESTAR/MSTAR Assessment Windows:
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Assessment Window
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Universal Screener
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Diagnostic Assessment
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Fall
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August 11 – October 10, 2025
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August 18 – October 17, 2025
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Winter
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January 5 – February 6, 2026
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January 12 – February 13, 2026
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Spring
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April 13 – May 15, 2026
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April 20 – May 22, 2026
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Middle School Advanced Mathematics TEKS Now Available
The Middle School Advanced Mathematics Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are published in 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Chapter 111, Subchapter B, in the following sections –
These TEKS are optional standards that school systems are permitted but not required to implement to fulfill the middle school advanced mathematics requirement. The course codes have been added to the Texas Student Data System Public Education Information Management System (TSDS PEIMS) data standards for school systems to report instruction if they are using the newly adopted middle school advanced mathematics TEKS.
School systems may also create or continue to offer locally developed courses to implement the middle school advanced mathematics requirement but must ensure that students have the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in all the middle school mathematics TEKS, grades 6–8. The following course codes have also been added to the TSDS PEIMS data standards for school systems to report instruction if they are using locally developed middle school advanced mathematics courses.
- Locally Developed Middle School Advanced Mathematics, Grade 6 (PEIMS Course Code: 03103310)
- Locally Developed Middle School Advanced Mathematics, Grade 7 (PEIMS Course Code: 03103320)
The existing course code for Algebra I should be used for grade 8 students enrolled in Algebra I (PEIMS Course Code: 03100500). If you have any questions, please contact us through the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Help Desk.
Texas Virtual School Network - Middle School Advanced Mathematics
Need help meeting a student’s course needs?
The Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) can help meet students’ needs through TEA-approved online courses. The TXVSN statewide course catalog provides high school mathematics courses that may meet a student's graduation requirement. As a resource to local education agencies, the course catalog has expanded to offer two middle school advanced mathematics pathways to support the implementation of Texas Education Code §28.029, Middle School Advanced Mathematics Program.
The TXVSN courses are aligned to the TEKS and taught by Texas-certified teachers trained in best practices in online instruction. Schools can use the TXVSN courses to create flexibility in a student’s schedule, allow a student to accelerate their learning, or address local teacher shortages. Students enrolled in a TXVSN course can generate funding regardless of whether the student is physically present at school while participating in the course. For more information about the courses offered through the TXVSN, please visit the TXVSN website or contact the TXVSN Help Desk.
Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.
Mathematics Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
(512) 463-9581
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