El Paso School Curriculum and Testing Schedule
This guide explains how statewide curriculum standards and the Texas student testing schedule affect students in El Paso, Texas. It summarizes who sets the curriculum, typical testing windows, local district roles, and concrete steps parents and educators can take to find schedules, request accommodations, and report testing irregularities. Where municipal or district rules apply, the enforcing office and official contacts are noted so families can act promptly.
Who sets curriculum and tests
In Texas, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) sets the state curriculum (TEKS) and administers the STAAR testing program; local independent school districts in El Paso implement those standards and publish local calendars and procedures. For statewide rules and test windows see the TEA STAAR pages TEA STAAR[1]. For district-level schedules check your school district's assessment or calendar pages; El Paso Independent School District posts local assessment information on its site EPISD Assessment & Calendar[2].
Typical testing schedule and calendar items
STAAR testing typically occurs in spring and certain end-of-course or grade-level windows; districts publish exact dates, make-up dates, and local bell schedules. Parents should consult their child’s district calendar for precise dates and school notices for student-level schedules. Districts also publish accommodations deadlines for students with IEPs or 504 plans.
- Spring STAAR testing window and make-up periods (district calendar required for exact days).
- Deadlines to request testing accommodations (varies by district and program).
- Local exam schedules for end-of-course assessments in high school.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of testing rules is handled by local districts in coordination with TEA for statewide security and integrity. Specific sanctions and procedures depend on the governing instrument cited by TEA or the district; where exact amounts or penalties are not listed on the cited pages we note that below and cite the official pages.
- Authority: Texas Education Agency and the local district assessment office enforce test security and administration rules.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences and associated penalties are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: includes test invalidation, student record flags, staff disciplinary action, and possible referral to law enforcement or TEA investigation where integrity breaches occur.
- Inspection and complaints: report test security concerns to the district assessment office and to TEA via the TEA test security complaint channels.
- Appeals and review: appeals processes and time limits vary by district; where district appeals timing is not published, it is not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
Common forms relate to accommodations and alternate assessments. TEA publishes guidance on accommodations for STAAR; district forms for 504 or IEP accommodations are handled through the student’s school or special education office. If a specific district form name or fee is required it will appear on the district assessment or special education pages; where a form is not listed we state "not specified on the cited page."
How-To
- Find the current TEA STAAR guidance and sample calendar on the TEA website and note statewide testing windows.
- Check your district’s assessment or calendar page for specific school dates and make-up days.
- Request accommodations through your child’s school (IEP/504) as soon as possible and confirm submission deadlines.
- Report any suspected testing irregularities to the district assessment office and to TEA if necessary; keep records of communications.
FAQ
- When are STAAR tests given in El Paso?
- STAAR testing occurs in designated statewide windows; exact school dates are published by each El Paso district on their assessment or calendar page.
- How do I request testing accommodations?
- Submit accommodation requests via your child’s school through the IEP or 504 process; TEA provides guidance on allowable accommodations.
- Who do I contact about a testing problem or suspected breach?
- Contact your school administration and district assessment office first; you may also report test security concerns to TEA following their complaint guidance.
Key Takeaways
- TEA sets curriculum and statewide test windows; districts publish precise school-level dates.
- Contact your district assessment office or school for calendars, forms, and appeals procedures.
Help and Support / Resources
- Texas Education Agency - STAAR and assessment guidance
- El Paso Independent School District - official site (assessment/calendar pages)
- Ysleta Independent School District - assessment and special programs