STAAR vs. FSA vs. PSSA: Comparing the Big Three State Math Tests in 2026
Three of the country’s largest state testing programs — STAAR in Texas, FSA (now B.E.S.T.) in Florida, and PSSA in Pennsylvania — share a similar mission but differ in surprising ways. If your family has moved between states, or if you teach in one of them, the differences matter for how you prep.
This guide compares the three side by side in 2026: what each tests, how the scoring works, how the formats differ, and how to prep for each one efficiently.
The Quick Side-by-Side
| Feature | STAAR (TX) | FSA / B.E.S.T. (FL) | PSSA (PA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grades tested in math | 3–8, plus EOC (Algebra I) | 3–8, plus EOC (Algebra I, Geometry) | 3–8 |
| Format | Online, mostly | Online, mostly | Mixed, transitioning online |
| Item types | MC, multi-select, technology-enhanced, open response | MC, multi-select, drag-and-drop, equation editor | MC, open-ended |
| Calculator | Allowed grades 6+ | Allowed grades 6+ | Allowed certain sections |
| Reference sheet | Provided grades 5+ | Provided grades 5+ | Provided grades 5+ |
| Performance levels | 4 (Did Not Meet → Masters) | 5 (Level 1 → Level 5) | 4 (Below Basic → Advanced) |
| High-stakes? | Yes for EOC graduation | Yes for grade promotion / graduation | Lower stakes; informational |
| Standards | Texas TEKS | Florida B.E.S.T. standards | Pennsylvania Core / PA Core |
The biggest differences: stakes (STAAR and FSA carry more weight than PSSA) and item types (FSA has the heaviest tech-enhanced load, STAAR is moving that direction, PSSA stays more traditional).
STAAR (Texas)
The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness covers grades 3 through 8 and includes End-of-Course exams in Algebra I, English I and II, Biology, and U.S. History.
What’s Tested in Math
- Grades 3–5: numerical reasoning, fractions, decimals, basic geometry, measurement, data.
- Grades 6–8: ratios and proportions, expressions and equations, geometry, statistics, integers, percent.
- Algebra I EOC: linear functions, quadratic functions, exponential functions, systems, statistics.
Format and Length
STAAR is now fully online for most grades. Tests run 2 to 4 hours depending on the grade. The format includes:
- Multiple-choice (still the majority).
- Multi-select (pick more than one correct answer).
- Technology-enhanced (drag-and-drop, hot spot, equation editor).
- Open response (short constructed response on essays and some math items).
Scoring
Four levels:
1. Did Not Meet Grade Level.
2. Approaches Grade Level.
3. Meets Grade Level.
4. Masters Grade Level.
The Algebra I EOC must be passed (Approaches level) to graduate.
How to Prep
- Focus on TEKS-aligned worksheets.
- Practice technology-enhanced item types — these are not familiar from textbook work.
- Take at least 2 full timed practice tests.
- For Algebra I EOC, drill quadratic functions and linear systems; they account for the largest share of points.
FSA / B.E.S.T. (Florida)
Florida transitioned from the FSA to the new B.E.S.T. (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) assessments. By 2026, the B.E.S.T. tests have replaced the old FSA in most grades, but families still call them “FSA” out of habit.
What’s Tested in Math
- Grades 3–5: number and operations, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, data, algebraic thinking.
- Grades 6–8: ratios, proportional relationships, expressions, equations, functions, geometry, statistics.
- Algebra I EOC: linear, quadratic, exponential functions, systems, statistics.
- Geometry EOC: triangles, circles, transformations, coordinate geometry, area / volume.
Format and Length
B.E.S.T. is fully online with a heavy reliance on technology-enhanced items. Tests run 3 hours total, split across two sessions.
Item types:
– Multiple-choice.
– Multi-select.
– Equation editor (you type the math).
– Drag-and-drop, hot spot, graphic gridded response.
The equation-editor items are the source of most lost points for students new to the format.
Scoring
Five performance levels (1 lowest, 5 highest). Level 3 is on grade level.
The Algebra I EOC counts toward both grade promotion and high school graduation in Florida.
How to Prep
- Practice on the official B.E.S.T. interface (the equation editor is non-intuitive).
- B.E.S.T. emphasizes “thinking benchmarks” — multi-step problems and reasoning. Drill multi-step word problems.
- For Algebra I EOC, drill quadratic functions and functions modeling.
- Take 2 to 3 full timed practice tests; time pressure is real on B.E.S.T.
PSSA (Pennsylvania)
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment covers grades 3 through 8 in math, ELA, and (in some grades) science.
What’s Tested in Math
- Grades 3–5: numbers and operations, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, data analysis, algebraic concepts.
- Grades 6–8: ratios and proportional relationships, expressions and equations, geometry, statistics and probability, the number system, functions.
PSSA does not include a high-school End-of-Course math exam (that’s the Keystone Algebra I, a separate test).
Format and Length
PSSA is shifting online but still allows paper-and-pencil in many districts. Each grade has three sessions of math:
- Two sessions with multiple-choice items.
- One session with open-ended (constructed response) items.
Tests run about 2.5 to 3 hours total in math.
Scoring
Four performance levels:
1. Below Basic.
2. Basic.
3. Proficient.
4. Advanced.
PSSA results inform school accountability but do not affect student grade promotion or graduation in most districts.
How to Prep
- Drill multiple-choice math at grade level.
- Practice the open-ended response format — show work, label units, write a brief explanation.
- For grades 7 and 8, focus on proportional reasoning and algebraic equations; they make up the largest share of points.
How They Differ
Stakes. STAAR (Algebra I EOC) and FSA / B.E.S.T. (Algebra I and Geometry EOCs) are graduation tests in their states. PSSA is generally not.
Tech-enhanced items. FSA / B.E.S.T. has the heaviest tech-enhanced load. STAAR is catching up. PSSA still leans on multiple-choice and open-ended.
Standards. Each state has its own framework. There is meaningful overlap (all three test fractions, ratios, expressions, equations, geometry, and statistics) but with different emphasis and vocabulary.
Scoring scale. B.E.S.T. uses 5 levels; STAAR and PSSA use 4.
Calculator policy. All three allow calculator use in grades 6+, with grade-specific restrictions in lower grades.
What They Have in Common
- Tested grades 3 through 8 in math.
- Aligned to state-specific standards that overlap heavily with the Common Core framework.
- Released item banks available for practice from each state department of education.
- Available accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans.
A Family-Friendly Prep Strategy
If your child takes any of these tests:
- Start with a state-specific practice test, not a generic SAT prep book.
- Spend 30 minutes a day for 6 to 8 weeks before the test.
- Track which standards your child struggles with and drill those.
- Practice tech-enhanced items on the official online platform; the interface matters.
- The week before, do one full timed test and review only missed items.
Common Mistakes Families Make
- Using out-of-state practice tests. STAAR review materials do not transfer well to FSA / B.E.S.T.
- Skipping the technology interface. Tech-enhanced items have a learning curve.
- Cramming. Spaced practice (30 min / day × 8 weeks) beats a single weekend.
- Ignoring the reference sheet. Knowing what is on it saves time.
- Treating PSSA as low-stakes practice. Even where it is informational, it informs schools’ decisions about placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is hardest?
B.E.S.T. is generally considered the most demanding because of its emphasis on multi-step reasoning. STAAR Algebra I EOC is the highest-stakes single test of the three.
Are these tests on Common Core?
Each state’s standards overlap significantly with Common Core, but each has its own framework. Texas TEKS, Florida B.E.S.T., and PA Core all have small differences in emphasis.
Do colleges care about these scores?
Not directly. Colleges look at GPA, transcripts, and SAT / ACT. But state test performance can affect course placement.
Can my child opt out?
Policies vary. Florida and Texas have strict participation rules; Pennsylvania allows opt-out under some conditions.
How long do scores take to come back?
Typically 4 to 6 weeks after testing.
Closing Thought
State tests look daunting but are predictable. Each tests grade-level standards in a fixed format with released practice materials. Use the state-specific practice, drill the tech-enhanced item types, and your child’s scores improve every test cycle.
For state-specific prep, see our STAAR test resources and our full Math Topics library. When you are ready for a structured workbook, our State Tests collection covers all three exams in detail.
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