The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR^®) is a standardized academic achievement test designed to measure the extent to which a student has learned and is able to apply the defined knowledge and skills in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) at each tested grade, subject, and course. Every STAAR question is directly aligned to the TEKS currently in effect for the grade and subject or course being assessed.

Credit by Examination contracted services provide assistance to districts and utilizes the Service Center as an administration site for Credit by Exam during the listed testing windows. The test sessions meet the requirements of TAC §74.24 for students to test out of a grade level or subject. The ESC, in conjunction with the University of Texas (UT), has entered into an agreement to administer tests produced by UT at the Service Center.

The Service Center reports exam scores directly to districts. Participating districts will collect student registration forms and return them to the Service Center. Parents who desire for their student to participate must contact their district to register, and cannot register with the service center directly.

R3 will provide two of the four testing opportunities required by law during June and July of each year, however the school district is responsible for testing outside of those two windows.