Pass the Algebra I STAAR — one step at a time
STAAR Algebra Edge follows the exact Texas EOC blueprint, walking you through every tested skill — linear functions, systems, quadratics, exponentials, and Desmos — so nothing on exam day catches you off guard.
"Every lesson in this course gives you the exact procedure, a real STAAR-style example, and the confidence to walk into that exam knowing you've seen this before."— Tom Schaeper
What you'll learn
What you'll be able to do
- Graph linear equations and write them from word problems with enough fluency to handle 50–60% of STAAR questions confidently
- Solve systems of two linear equations by graphing, substitution, and elimination — a perennial high-value skill on every exam
- Find zeros, factor expressions, and apply the quadratic formula to solve the parabola problems that make up 20–25% of the test
- Identify exponential growth vs. decay and write y = ab^x rules from tables and real-world scenarios
- Use the built-in Desmos graphing calculator on the digital exam to find intersections, zeros, and table values efficiently
- Determine domain and range from graphs of linear, quadratic, and exponential functions — and simplify expressions using laws of exponents and polynomial multiplication
How it works
A school that adapts to you
This isn't a set of static videos. Every lesson is generated live and tuned to where you actually are.
We learn your level
A quick placement check tailors your starting point so you're never bored or lost.
Lessons adapt as you go
Each lesson is written for your pace and your goal, adjusting as your skills grow.
Your AI coach keeps you moving
Checkpoints, feedback, and gentle nudges turn progress into a real result.
The curriculum
What's inside your school
6 modules · 17 lessons
Linear Functions & Graphing
This foundational module builds the core visual and algebraic fluency students need for the 50–60% of STAAR questions rooted in linear functions. It opens with slope as the conceptual anchor, then progresses through writing equations, graphing, and interpreting key features — exactly the sequence a student needs before touching systems or inequalities. Domain and range are introduced here in the linear context so the concept can be revisited and deepened in later modules.
- 1.1Slope: Rate of Change in Every FormIncluded
- 1.2Writing Linear Equations from Graphs, Tables, and Word ProblemsIncluded
- 1.3Graphing Lines and Interpreting Key FeaturesIncluded
- 1.4Domain, Range, and Linear FunctionsIncluded
Linear Equations, Inequalities & Systems
Building directly on the graphing fluency from Module 1, this module tackles the procedural side of linear algebra: solving equations and inequalities, and then solving systems of two linear equations using all three major methods — graphing, substitution, and elimination. All three methods are required by the STAAR blueprint, and the final lesson teaches students how to select the most efficient strategy given a problem's structure, which saves critical time on test day.
- 2.1Solving Linear Equations and InequalitiesIncluded
- 2.2Systems of Equations — Graphing and SubstitutionIncluded
- 2.3Systems of Equations — Elimination and Choosing a StrategyIncluded
Simplifying Expressions & Laws of Exponents
This module addresses the algebraic foundations — laws of exponents and polynomial operations — that underpin both the quadratic and exponential modules that follow. Placing it here in the sequence is a deliberate prerequisite decision: students who cannot manipulate exponents confidently will struggle to factor quadratics or interpret exponential functions. It also directly targets a recurring STAAR skill category that appears across multiple reporting categories.
- 3.1Laws of ExponentsIncluded
- 3.2Multiplying Polynomials and FOILIncluded
Quadratic Functions & Equations
Quadratics account for 20–25% of STAAR questions, making this the second-highest-priority module. Students first build graphical understanding of parabolas and their key features, then connect those features to factoring and the quadratic formula. The sequence mirrors STAAR's own progression: recognize → factor → apply formula → choose the best method. Domain and range are explicitly revisited here in the quadratic context, reinforcing the concept introduced in Module 1.
- 4.1Graphing Parabolas and Key FeaturesIncluded
- 4.2Factoring to Find ZerosIncluded
- 4.3The Quadratic Formula and Choosing a MethodIncluded
Exponential Functions & Equations
This module targets the 15–20% of STAAR questions on exponential functions. Though it carries the lowest exam weight of the three function families, mastering it is still essential for a strong passing score. Students learn to distinguish growth from decay, interpret the parameters a and b in y = ab^x, and write equations from tables and real-world scenarios. Domain and range are revisited here for the third function family, completing the cross-module reinforcement cycle.
- 5.1Exponential Growth vs. DecayIncluded
- 5.2Writing y = ab^x from Tables and Word ProblemsIncluded
Desmos Mastery & Full STAAR Simulation
This capstone module transforms content knowledge into exam-ready performance. Students first master the built-in Desmos graphing calculator as a strategic test-taking tool — not merely a graphing aid — and then use a full STAAR blueprint review to identify and close personal weak spots. The module concludes with a timed, full-length STAAR simulation and structured debrief, converting the entire curriculum into a single, integrated rehearsal experience.
- 6.1Desmos as a Test-Taking ToolIncluded
- 6.2STAAR Blueprint Review and Weak-Spot TargetingIncluded
- 6.3Full-Length STAAR Simulation and DebriefIncluded
Who it's for
Is this you?
First-time EOC takers
8th or 9th graders sitting the Algebra I STAAR for the first time who want a clear, step-by-step roadmap to every tested skill.
EOC re-takers
Students who didn't pass the first time and need a focused, blueprint-aligned review — not a full class all over again.
Supportive parents
Parents who want a structured program they can trust to fill the gaps without having to re-learn Algebra I themselves.
Independent learners
Self-motivated students who prefer to study on their own schedule but need clear procedures and real STAAR examples to guide them.
Private tutors
Tutors who want a ready-made, STAAR-aligned curriculum to structure their sessions instead of building one from scratch.
Algebra-anxious students
Students who've hit a wall with algebra and lost confidence — and need a patient, jargon-free approach that rebuilds their skills one concrete step at a time.
Questions
Frequently asked
Your teacher
A note from your teacher
Tom Schaeper
If your student is staring down the Algebra I STAAR EOC and something just isn't clicking — I want you to know that's completely normal. Algebra I covers a lot of ground, and most students aren't struggling because they're bad at math. They're struggling because nobody has ever sat down and shown them exactly what the test is asking, step by step, in plain English.
That's the problem STAAR Algebra Edge was built to solve.
I designed this course around one simple idea: the STAAR EOC has a blueprint, and your student deserves a course that follows it. That means we spend the most time on linear functions and equations — because that's where the most points are. It means we cover systems three different ways (graphing, substitution, elimination) because students who know all three strategies are never stuck. It means we walk through every quadratic method — factoring, the quadratic formula, reading a parabola — because that 20–25% of the test is absolutely winnable if you have the right procedures down cold. And it means we teach Desmos as a real test-taking tool, not an afterthought, because a student who knows how to use the built-in graphing calculator has a genuine advantage on a digital exam.
Every lesson in this course follows the same format: I explain the concept in plain language, work through an example that looks exactly like a real STAAR problem, and guide your student through the practice step by step. No jargon. No skipped steps. No moment where I say "and obviously…" and leave your student behind. If you've ever watched a good tutor work with a struggling student at a kitchen table, that's the energy I'm going for — patient, concrete, and never condescending.
I also know that parents and tutors are often sitting right alongside the student trying to help, and I've kept you in mind too. The structure is transparent, the blueprint alignment is explicit, and the final STAAR simulation and debrief give everyone a clear picture of where things stand before exam day.
If your student is ready to stop dreading this test and start feeling prepared — this is the place to start. Let's get to work.
— Tom Schaeper
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- 6 modules, 17 lessons
- AI-adaptive lessons tuned to your level
- Quizzes & checkpoints to lock in progress
- Your own AI learning coach
- Learn on any device, at your pace
- Full access for as long as you're subscribed