Beginning this school year, the Texas Education Agency will be launching the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) to replace TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) which has been in place since 2003. The new test will be much more rigorous than the previous test and will measure a child's performance as well as their academic growth.

Some notable changes occurring with the STAAR test include: 
    *  Increase in the rigor and relevance of both standards and assessments;
    *  Creating and assessing postsecondary readiness standards: 
    *   Establishing campus and district accountability based on higher college and career readiness performance standards on STAAR, and on distinctions earned by campuses demonstrating achievement in areas not measured by the STAAR program as well as on academic performance; and 
    *  Establishing new time lines for interventions and sanctions while also expanding school closure and alternative management options.

STAAR will affect the graduation plan for all North Lamar students, starting with the class of 2015.

Eighth grade students that are enrolled in algebra, will take the end of course test, instead of the STAAR 8th grade math test. Students must pass the end of course test in order to receive high school credit for the algebra class.