New Proposal Could Reshape Texas Student Testing For 2027

Lawmakers are gearing up to tackle a controversial issue in education.

The STAAR Test

States have various ways of gauging student progress and in Texas, the measurement tool is The STAAR test. The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness is a standardized test administered to students from third to eighth grade and to high school students. The test covers math, reading, science and social studies. At the end of the day, the tests are to evaluate if students are learning what they need to know for the future.

The Controversy

The STAAR test has been a point of contention in Texas for years. Opponents say educators rush through material in class to cover everything that will be included on the exam. Test results are often delayed, calling the test’s timeliness into question. Those who support the test say requiring the same test for all schools provides an equal comparison of how students are performing statewide.

Current Status

The bill that would change the STAAR test from one to three tests throughout the school year is co-authored by Republican Representatives Brad Buckley, William Metcalf, Brooks Landgraf, and Terry Wilson. Senate and House Bill 8, is scheduled to be taken up on the house floor today/Tuesday.  If passed, the STAAR test would not be replaced until the 2027 school year.

Standardized Tests in Other States

Each state requires standardized testing, but the tests differ. A wide array of tests are offered to third through eighth graders nationwide, but there are more similarities among high school students. Many high schools require either the ACT, SAT, the PSAT or a combination of the three.