A big step forward on
student testing
Texas lawmakers have passed legislation to replace the STAAR test, making one thing clear: the new system will do more than shorten the test. star_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_borderNo test captures everything.
But this new system will track progress throughout the year and give teachers and families real-time, valid and reliable insights that will help students stay on the path to success.
In the 2027-28 school year, a new test system will provide faster results. What will
replace STAAR?
Texas lawmakers will replace STAAR with a new system of three assessments given throughout the school year: A start-of-year baseline check
Beginning of Year
Middle
of Year
A mid-year progress check
End of Year
A final, end-of-year, summative test
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Beginning
of Year
A starting-year
baseline check
Middle of Year
A mid-year progress check
End
of Year
A final, end-of-year,
summative test
What could this look like?
State-funded tests track progress year-round.
Adaptive tests at the beginning and middle of the year give teachers real-time data to support students with personalized learning.
End-of-year test that assesses Texas standards, with results in 48 hours.
End-of-year tests are later in the year, allowing for more instructional time.
Reduces testing time by an estimated 22.5 hours per student annually.
Saves schools money by eliminating unnecessary benchmark testing.
House Bill 8 passed the Texas Legislature and sent to the Governor's desk on Sept. 3.
REP. BRAD BUCKLEY (R-SALADO) SPONSOR: SEN. PAUL BETTENCOURT
(R-HOUSTON) HOUSE BILL 8REP. BRAD BUCKLEY (R-SALADO) SPONSOR: SEN. PAUL BETTENCOURT (R-HOUSTON) Passed the Texas Legislature and sent to the Governor's desk on Sept. 3.
How transformational test changes move forward
House Bill 8 reflects a commitment from legislative leaders to replace STAAR with more effective, student-focused assessments vetted by Texas teachers.
Under the new bill, every end-of-year test question must be reviewed and approved by up to 40 educators before it can appear on the assessment.
House Bill 8 replaces STAAR with shorter assessments spread throughout the year, reduces overall testing time in classrooms and ensures parents and teachers get results they can use within days. The Texas Legislature has passed landmark student testing reform.
Our future depends on it.
Texas students need a strong academic foundation to equip them for tomorrow’s workforce. Without a rigorous, transparent state assessment, Texas has no way to accurately measure our progress toward these goals.
Texas 2036 applauds the Texas Legislature in making sure Texas has a state assessment that Texans can trust.
