Through 2001-2002, Texas tested students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 10 used a test called the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS).
TAAS is a standards-based test, which means it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Texas.
The goal for this test was for 100% of students to pass at each grade level by answering at least 70% of test questions correctly. Students in the graduating classes of 2003 and 2004 must pass the Exit TAAS in order to graduate from high school. Students in succeeding classes will have to pass the Exit TAKS.