Texas Set to Replace STAAR w/ 3 Shorter Standardized Tests

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Texas lawmakers have sent legislation replacing STAAR, the state’s widely unpopular state standardized test, to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.

Once Abbott signs House Bill 8, Texas will swap the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness for three shorter tests at the beginning, middle and end of each school year. Students will begin to take the new tests in the 2027-28 school year.

Legislators replaced STAAR amid frustration from families and teachers, who say the test puts too much pressure on students and that preparing for it takes up too much time in the classroom.

Here’s what you need to know about the changes coming to the state’s standardized test:

  1. Students to take three, shorter standardized tests
  2. Educators can no longer run students through practice tests
  3. Graduation requirement to pass English II ends
  4. Scores on three tests will count toward schools’ A-F ratings
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One issue is that if educators can’t have students take practice tests then some parents will find a way to help students practice while others won’t do it and their schools will be dinged. (I understand the point is to spend no classroom time on prepping.)

It’s disingenuous to think students can all show what they’re capable of on an unknown format.

But at least with the same cohort taking a test at three points in the year, hopefully the students& teachers will be able to understand the test a bit as the year goes.

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