AUSTIN (1080 KRLD) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott Monday announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year.
Additionally, Governor Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year.
Governor Abbott is working closely with the Texas Education Agency to ensure that schools continue to deliver instruction to students while students are absent or while schools are closed due to COVID-19. This includes tailoring instruction for students with special needs so that they have access to the same education as other students in the district.
Governor Abbott will continue to work with the TEA on developing additional methods to ensure that students are learning and ready to succeed at the next grade-level. These discussions are ongoing and more information will be provided as it develops.
"Your health and safety are top priorities, and the state of Texas will give school districts flexibility to protect and ensure the health of students, faculty, and their families," said Governor Abbott. "We will empower schools to make the best decisions to protect their communities from COVID-19."
Texas teachers are applauding the move. Clay Robison of the Texas State Teacher's Association says they've been urging the Governor to make the move. "We do not know how many people would be affected by this before it's all over with, and people right now, educators, students, their families need to be concentrating on their own healthcare, taking care of their families. And they do not need the added stress of worrying about a high stakes test."
STAAR testing requirements have been waived for the 2019-2020 school year.We will continue to empower schools to make the best decisions to protect their communities from COVID-19.https://t.co/Vt0b1zU7gY pic.twitter.com/kfGmv7hQww
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) March 16, 2020
