A big step forward on
student testing
As Texas lawmakers debate what comes after the STAAR test, one thing is clear: the new system must do more than shorten the test.
star_borderstar_borderstar_borderstar_borderNo test captures everything.
But a system that tracks progress throughout the year and gives teachers and families real-time, valid and reliable insights can help every student stay on the path to success.
We need a test that provides faster results and real support.
What would
replace STAAR?
Lawmakers in both chambers have proposed replacing 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.
Quick reminder: The clock is ticking on this transformational opportunity. The current special session is scheduled to run until Sept. 13.
Passed out of committee with majority support on Aug. 15.
SENATE BILL 9SEN. PAUL BETTENCOURT
(R-HOUSTON)HOUSE BILL 8REP. BRAD BUCKLEY
(R-SALADO)Passed out of Texas House on
Aug. 26 and Senate on Aug. 27.
How transformational test changes move forward
Senate Bill 9 and House Bill 8 (89(2)) reflect a shared 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.
Texas needs a new assessment.
The focus now is on how Texas builds the best test possible. Assessments must measure how well each student grasps clear academic standards.
This debate is no longer about whether to keep STAAR.
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 is working to make sure Texas has a state assessment that Texans can trust.
