$4 Billion is available every year to help Texans attend college.


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What do TEKS and TAKS stand for?

TEKS stands for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

TAKS stands for Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.

What are TEKS?

TEKS are the knowledge and skills students should gain in school each year. Students will have TEKS to learn from kindergarten all the way through high school. If students learn the TEKS each year, they will have the skills they need and will know many things that will help them succeed when they graduate high school. Students who learn the TEKS are more likely to succeed in college and life.

To learn more about the TEKS, try these resources:

What are TAKS?

TAKS are tests to see if students have learned what they should. The TAKS test covers the knowledge and skills of the TEKS. If students study, work hard, and read at home every day, they should do well on the TAKS tests. The TAKS tests are the best way the school can find out if students are learning everything they need to know to keep up and not get behind.

What do they test?

  • 3rd grade: Reading, Mathematics
  • 4th grade: Reading, Writing, Mathematics
  • 5th grade: Reading, Science, Mathematics
  • 6th grade: Reading, Mathematics
  • 7th grade: Reading, Writing, Mathematics
  • 8th grade: Reading, Social Studies, Mathematics
  • 9th grade: Reading, Mathematics
  • 10th grade: English, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics
  • 11th grade: English, Science, Social Studies, Mathematics

For Spanish-speaking students:

  • 3rd grade: Spanish Reading, Spanish mathematics
  • 4th grade: Spanish Reading and Writing, Spanish mathematics
  • 5th grade: Spanish Reading, Spanish Science, Spanish mathematics
  • 6th grade: Spanish Reading, Spanish mathematics

You can also get more information about TAKS and see some sample test questions.

Do schools only teach things that are on the TAKS tests?

No. It is not possible to test everything students should learn. The TAKS tests a sample of what students study to make sure they are keeping up and learning what they need to know to succeed.

Do students have to pass the TAKS tests to go on to the next grade in school?

It depends on what grade the student is in. Ask your student's teacher about what they need to learn, and if your student will have to pass the TAKS tests this year to go on to the next grade.

You can also view a brochure about TAKS tests passing requirements.

Why do TEKS and TAKS tests matter to my student?

In order to earn more money and get a high-paying job, students need special skills and knowledge. For most of today's high-paying jobs, students need to go to college. Learning TEKS in each grade will help your student do well on the TAKS tests. Passing the TAKS tests will help your student succeed in college and do well in life.

My student is still in elementary school. Do I really need to worry about college now?

It's never too early to plan for the future. Students need goals and your support every step of the way.

What can I do to help my student get ready for college?

No matter what grade they are in, you can do the following:

  • Talk about college and tell your student that you believe in them and that you are committed to helping them make their dream come true.
  • Get involved. Visit the school, attend meetings, and talk with their teachers and counselors.
  • You are the expert on your student. Share this information with their teachers. Let them know how your student learns best and if they have special needs.
  • Ask your student about school. Review their report cards. Praise them when they do well, and if they are having trouble, ask the teacher what you can do to help. Ask for help finding them a mentor or tutor.
  • Encourage your student to be involved in school and community activities. Go to the library together. Give them a quiet place to study and help them with their homework.
  • Save a little money regularly to show your student that you are planning for their future. Even pocket change helps build a "college fund."
  • Visit a college campus together. Explore careers with your student. Ask a trusted college graduate to talk with your student about why college is important and how it changed their life.
  • If your student is still in elementary school, read to them and let them read to you.
  • If your student is already in middle school, talk to the school counselor to make sure they are taking classes to prepare for the recommended high school program or the distinguished achievement program. These programs not only help students succeed when they reach college, they are sometimes required for some financial aid programs.
  • If your student is already in high school, talk to the school counselor to make sure your student is taking classes for the recommended high school program or the distinguished achievement program.

These plans will help them prepare for college. Don't let your student take the easy way out by choosing the minimum graduation program.

I am worried about paying for college. Is there help available?

Yes, there are two billion dollars in government and other funds every year to help Texans go to college.

You can learn about financial aid and other resources to help students prepare for college at www.collegefortexans.com or by calling the Texas financial aid information center (toll-free) at 1-888-311-8881 from Monday to Thursday (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Friday (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Se habla español.

If I have other questions, whom can I contact?

Start with your student's school. The teacher, counselor or principal may be able to answer your questions or give more information.