Texas's state writing assessment, rubric by rubric
STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) is the state's annual summative assessment program. The writing portion appears within the Reading Language Arts (RLA) assessment as an extended constructed response (ECR), where students produce one written response per test based on one or two provided source texts.
STAAR uses the same two-trait analytic rubric structure across both genres (Argumentative/Opinion and Informational) and across grade bands (3-5 and 6 through English II). Development and Organization of Ideas is scored 0 to 3 and includes four sub-criteria (idea development, organization, evidence, expression). Conventions is scored 0 to 2 on a separate trait scale.
The current STAAR rubrics took effect Fall 2022 as part of the redesigned STAAR. Important scoring rule: a response that earns 0 on Development and Organization of Ideas automatically earns 0 on Conventions as well. There is no way to bypass the Development trait via mechanics.
The four Texas STAAR writing rubrics
Each STAAR rubric scores writing on two traits, Development and Organization of Ideas (0 to 3) and Conventions (0 to 2). The same 2-trait structure applies across genres and grade bands; only the descriptor language and expectations change by rubric.
Students respond to a prompt with an argument or opinion supported by text-based evidence drawn from at least one provided source. Scored on Development and Organization of Ideas (0 to 3) and Conventions (0 to 2).
Students explain a topic clearly, organizing a central idea around text-based evidence from at least one provided source. Scored on Organization and Development of Ideas (0 to 3) and Conventions (0 to 2).
Students respond to a prompt with an argument or opinion supported by evidence from both provided texts. Counterarguments are expected at Grades 8 through English II. Scored on Development and Organization of Ideas (0 to 3) and Conventions (0 to 2).
Students explain a controlling idea or thesis using text-based evidence from both provided sources. Scored on Organization and Development of Ideas (0 to 3) and Conventions (0 to 2).
How STAAR scores writing
Every STAAR writing rubric scores responses on two analytic traits. The first trait (Development and Organization of Ideas, 0 to 3) carries the four sub-criteria that describe what writing at each score point looks like. The second trait (Conventions, 0 to 2) is scored on a tighter sub-scale. A response that earns 0 on the first trait automatically earns 0 on Conventions.
Scored 0 to 3. Four sub-criteria are embedded in the descriptors at each score point, clarity and development of the argument/opinion or central idea, effectiveness of organization, specificity and relevance of text-based evidence, and effectiveness of expression. Earning a 3 requires consistency across all four.
Scored 0 to 2 on a tighter scale than Development. Covers sentence construction, punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and spelling. A response with errors that obscure meaning earns 0. Note that any response scoring 0 on Development automatically earns 0 on Conventions.
STAAR is always source-based. Grades 3-5 prompts provide one or two texts; evidence may be drawn from at least one of them. Grades 6 through English II often pair two texts; evidence is expected from BOTH for the highest scores. Grade 8 through English II also expects counterarguments to be identified AND refuted in argumentative responses.
Common questions about Texas STAAR writing
What is the STAAR writing rubric?
How many points is each STAAR writing rubric worth?
How is the STAAR writing rubric different from AASA or SBAC?
Do students write argumentative or informational on STAAR?
When does STAAR expect counterarguments?
Is this rubric the official version from TEA?
Where can I find the source documents?
Does EnlightenAI auto-score with these rubrics?
Score Texas STAAR writing in EnlightenAI
Train EnlightenAI on any of the four official STAAR writing rubrics and start scoring student writing, with consistent per-trait feedback, in a single class period.