STAAR Performance Level Descriptors

Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) provide a snapshot of students’ academic characteristics based on performance on a given STAAR assessment. PLDs are statements that describe the specific knowledge and skills students typically demonstrate at each performance level: Masters Grade Level, Meets Grade Level, Approaches Grade Level, and Did Not Meet Grade Level. They translate the general policy definitions of the STAAR performance categories into grade and subject- or course-specific descriptions of student achievement. 

PLDs are linked to the state-mandated content standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Therefore, standard setting committees have used them to help ground committee members in the content standards and guide their recommendations. PLDs can be used as a tool in classroom instruction because they assist teachers and schools in better understanding a student’s performance on a given STAAR assessment. PLDs can also enhance parents’ understanding of their child’s academic strengths and weaknesses and can help the community at large better understand state test scores and the level of performance required of students on STAAR.