SSI - A PARENT GUIDE TO THE STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVE AT GRADES 5 AND 8 - Revised August 2019

Sep 15, 2026

A parent-focused guide explains Texas Education Agency requirements under the Student Success Initiative (SSI) for students in grades 5 and 8. It outlines how STAAR grade 5 and grade 8 mathematics and reading test results affect promotion, the three opportunities to pass, and what schools must provide after each opportunity through accelerated instruction. The guide covers retention, the Grade Placement Committee process, appeal and waiver options, and the need for continued accelerated instruction when promotion is granted.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

What Happens at Grades 5 and 8?

The Student Success Initiative

State Law Requirements

Parents' Role in the Process

If you have questions aboutthe state requirements forthe SSI,please contact yourschool's principal orgo to TEA's website athttp://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/ssi/.For information aboutordering additional copiesof this brochure,call855-333-7770.Texas Education AgenicyStudent Assessment DivisionCurriculum Standards andStudent Support Division Texas Education Agency STAR Aeademc Radnass Prepare for Success A PARENT GUIDE TO THE Student SuccessInitiative AT GRADES5AND 8 DCLESS REVISED AUGUST 2019 The Student Success Initiative(SSI)wascreated by the Texas Legislature to ensurethat all students receive the instructionand support they need to be academicallysuccessful in mathematics and reading. Under the SSI grade advancementrequirements,students are required to passthe State of Texas Assessments of AcademicReadiness(STAAR◎)grade 5 mathematics andreading tests to be promoted to sixth grade.Students are required to pass the STAARgrade 8mathematics and reading tests to bepromoted to ninth grade. # What Happens at Grades 5 and 8? Students in grades 5 and 8have threeopportunities to pass the STAAR mathematicstest and three opportunities to pass the STAARreading test.If a student does not pass one orboth tests,the school must provide the studentwith accelerated instruction after each testingopportunity,and the student must participatein that accelerated instruction.Parents will benotified if their child does not pass one of theseSTAAR tests that are required for promotion. If a student has not passed the STAARmathematics and/or reading test at grade 5or 8 after the second testing opportunity,agrade placement committee(GPC)is formed.The GPC,which consists of the principalteacher,and parent or guardian,will createan instructional plan based on the individualneeds of the student. # The Student Success Initiative State Law Requirements Parents'Role in the Process A student who does not pass the STAARmathematics and/or reading test at grade 5or 8 after the third testing opportunity will beautomatically retained.However,the student'sparent or guardian may appeal the decision tohave their child repeat the grade by submittinga request to the GPC within five working daysof receiving the retention notice.The GPCmay decide to promote a student to the nextgrade,but only if everyone on the committeeunanimously agrees that the student is likelyto succeed in the next grade.Even if the GPCdecides to promote the student,the studentmust participate in the required acceleratedinstruction to be promoted. Parents may request a waiver of the thirdtesting opportunity if they do not want theirchild to test.If the waiver is approved,thestudent is automatically retained,but theparents may still appeal the retention.Astudent must participate in all acceleratedinstruction required by the GPC,even if thethird testing opportunity is waived. For information about how SSI applies tostudents who receive special educationservices,check with the special educationcontact on your campus. Each year,students who take a STAAR testreceive a STAAR Report Card which providesmore information about how they performed AS PARENTS,YOU ARE CRTICAL PARTNERSINYOUR CHILD'S SUCCESS. The Texas Education Agency(TEA)is committedto making sure you are informed and have an accurate picture ofyour child's progress.Follow these4 steps to Log in 8 Learn More.

FAQs

What are the promotion requirements for grades 5 and 8 under SSI?

Students must pass the STAAR grade 5 mathematics and reading tests to be promoted to sixth grade, and pass the STAAR grade 8 mathematics and reading tests to be promoted to ninth grade.

How many opportunities do students have to pass the STAAR tests, and what happens if they do not?

Students in grades 5 and 8 have three opportunities to pass the STAAR mathematics test and three opportunities to pass the STAAR reading test. If a student does not pass after an opportunity, the school must provide accelerated instruction and the student must participate.

When is a Grade Placement Committee formed, and how do appeals or waivers work?

If a student has not passed after the second testing opportunity, a Grade Placement Committee (GPC) is formed to create an instructional plan based on individual needs. After the third opportunity, the student is automatically retained; parents may appeal within five working days or request a waiver of the third testing opportunity, with retention still occurring if the waiver is approved.

Sep 15, 2026

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