Grade 8 STAAR Math Guide

Grade 8 calculator and tools

• Each student has a graphing calculation device throughout the test; prohibited functions and CAS must be disabled.
• Grade-specific reference materials
• Graph paper
• Embedded online ruler/reference/notepad/graph-draw tools as applicable

Grade 8 test forms and windows

Grade 8 STAAR Math Practice

Final Grades 3-8 STAAR spring administration before SST replacement. 2027-04-19 through 2027-04-30. Districts schedule within the two-week online window; April 30 is the make-up deadline.

• STAAR Mathematics: 40 visible questions

Grade 8 reporting categories

Numerical Representations and Relationships

2–4 questions. Eligible codes: 8.1(A), 8.1(B), 8.1(C), 8.1(D), 8.1(E), 8.1(F), 8.1(G), 8.2(A), 8.2(B), 8.2(C), 8.2(D).

Computations and Algebraic Relationships

15–17 questions. Eligible codes: 8.1(A), 8.1(B), 8.1(C), 8.1(D), 8.1(E), 8.1(F), 8.1(G), 8.4(A), 8.4(B), 8.4(C), 8.5(A), 8.5(B), 8.5(E), 8.5(F), 8.5(G), 8.5(H), 8.5(I), 8.8(A), 8.8(B), 8.8(C), 8.9(A).

Geometry and Measurement

14–16 questions. Eligible codes: 8.1(A), 8.1(B), 8.1(C), 8.1(D), 8.1(E), 8.1(F), 8.1(G), 8.3(A), 8.3(B), 8.3(C), 8.6(A), 8.6(C), 8.7(A), 8.7(B), 8.7(C), 8.7(D), 8.8(D), 8.10(A), 8.10(B), 8.10(C), 8.10(D).

Data Analysis and Personal Financial Literacy

5–7 questions. Eligible codes: 8.1(A), 8.1(B), 8.1(C), 8.1(D), 8.1(E), 8.1(F), 8.1(G), 8.5(C), 8.5(D), 8.11(A), 8.11(B), 8.12(A), 8.12(C), 8.12(D), 8.12(G).

Official response formats

single choice, multiple select, expression, integer, decimal, fraction, inline choice, matching, fraction model, number line point, graphing, drag drop, hot spot.

Standards eligible for current Grade 8 forms

• 8.1(A): apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace
• 8.1(B): use a problem-solving model that incorporates analyzing given information, formulating a plan or strategy, determining a solution, justifying the solution, and evaluating the problem-solving process and the reasonableness of the solution
• 8.1(C): select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems
• 8.1(D): communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate
• 8.1(E): create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas
• 8.1(F): analyze mathematical relationships to connect and communicate mathematical ideas; and
• 8.1(G): display, explain, and justify mathematical ideas and arguments using precise mathematical language in written or oral communication.
• 8.2(A): extend previous knowledge of sets and subsets using a visual representation to describe relationships between sets of real numbers
• 8.2(B): approximate the value of an irrational number, including p and square roots of numbers less than 225, and locate that rational number approximation on a number line
• 8.2(C): convert between standard decimal notation and scientific notation
• 8.2(D): order a set of real numbers arising from mathematical and real-world contexts.
• 8.3(A): generalize that the ratio of corresponding sides of similar shapes are proportional, including a shape and its dilation
• 8.3(B): compare and contrast the attributes of a shape and its dilation(s) on a coordinate plane
• 8.3(C): use an algebraic representation to explain the effect of a given positive rational scale factor applied to two-dimensional figures on a coordinate plane with the origin as the center of dilation.
• 8.4(A): use similar right triangles to develop an understanding that slope, m, given as the rate comparing the change in y-values to the change in x-values, (y – y )/(x – x ), is the same for any two points (x , y ) 2 1 2 1 1 1 and (x , y ) on the same line
• 8.4(B): graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the line that models the relationship
• 8.4(C): use data from a table or graph to determine the rate of change or slope and y-intercept in mathematical and real-world problems.
• 8.5(A): represent linear proportional situations with tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = kx
• 8.5(B): represent linear non-proportional situations with tables, graphs, and equations in the form of y = mx + b, where b ≠ 0
• 8.5(C): contrast bivariate sets of data that suggest a linear relationship with bivariate sets of data that do not suggest a linear relationship from a graphical representation
• 8.5(D): use a trend line that approximates the linear relationship between bivariate sets of data to make predictions.
• 8.5(E): solve problems involving direct variation
• 8.5(F): distinguish between proportional and non-proportional situations using tables, graphs, and equations in the form y = kx or y = mx + b, where b ≠ 0
• 8.5(G): identify functions using sets of ordered pairs, tables, mappings, and graphs
• 8.5(H): identify examples of proportional and non-proportional functions that arise from mathematical and real-world problems
• 8.5(I): write an equation in the form y = mx + b to model a linear relationship between two quantities using verbal, numerical, tabular, and graphical representations.
• 8.6(A): describe the volume formula V = Bh of a cylinder in terms of its base area and its height
• 8.6(C): use models and diagrams to explain the Pythagorean theorem.
• 8.7(A): solve problems involving the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres
• 8.7(B): use previous knowledge of surface area to make connections to the formulas for lateral and total surface area and determine solutions for problems involving rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and cylinders
• 8.7(C): use the Pythagorean theorem and its converse to solve problems
• 8.7(D): determine the distance between two points on a coordinate plane using the Pythagorean theorem.
• 8.8(A): write one-variable equations or inequalities with variables on both sides that represent problems using rational number coefficients and constants
• 8.8(B): write a corresponding real-world problem when given a one-variable equation or inequality with variables on both sides of the equal sign using rational number coefficients and constants
• 8.8(C): model and solve one-variable equations with variables on both sides of the equal sign that represent mathematical and real-world problems using rational number coefficients and constants.
• 8.8(D): use informal arguments to establish facts about the angle sum and exterior angle of triangles, the angles created when parallel lines are cut by a transversal, and the angle-angle criterion for similarity of triangles.
• 8.9(A): identify and verify the values of x and y that simultaneously satisfy two linear equations in the form y = mx + b from the intersections of the graphed equations.
• 8.10(A): generalize the properties of orientation and congruence of rotations, reflections, translations, and dilations of two-dimensional shapes on a coordinate plane
• 8.10(B): differentiate between transformations that preserve congruence and those that do not
• 8.10(C): explain the effect of translations, reflections over the x- or y-axis, and rotations limited to 90°, 180°, 270°, and 360° as applied to two- dimensional shapes on a coordinate plane using an algebraic representation
• 8.10(D): model the effect on linear and area measurements of dilated two- dimensional shapes.
• 8.11(A): construct a scatterplot and describe the observed data to address questions of association such as linear, non-linear, and no association between bivariate data
• 8.11(B): determine the mean absolute deviation and use this quantity as a measure of the average distance data are from the mean using a data set of no more than 10 data points.
• 8.12(A): solve real-world problems comparing how interest rate and loan length affect the cost of credit
• 8.12(C): explain how small amounts of money invested regularly, including money saved for college and retirement, grow over time
• 8.12(D): calculate and compare simple interest and compound interest earnings
• 8.12(G): estimate the cost of a two-year and four-year college education, including family contribution, and devise a periodic savings plan for accumulating the money needed to contribute to the total cost of attendance for at least the first year of college.