The TAKS was established in 2003. This was because of the collaboration of the Texas Education Agency with the Educational Measurement Group of Pearson and educators based in Texas.
The TAKS was established to assess students' attainment of reading, writing, math, science and social studies skills to make sure they meet Texas education standards.
TAKS replaced the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS), another standardized test that had been used in the same capacity. Unlike the TAKS, the TAAS did not have science and social science requirements.
Students from Grades 3 to 11 are required to take the TAKS to progress to the next grade. Although the tested subjects vary depending on grade level, math is always part of the exam.
In addition to the Grade 3 to 11 exams, there is the exit-level TAKS test, administered at the last year of high school. Texas high school seniors are required to pass this text in order to graduate.