The annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing gets started today with the first round of tests, but the often controversail test is very different this year thanks to a number of changes.
A lot of pressure has been taken off Texas students, but STAAR testing still has massive accountability for teachers and schools.
In 2020, state lawmakers approved several changes to the tests, including eliminating consequences for students that don't do well. Basically they won't get held back if they fail.
Students can expect a test that looks more like what they see every day in class. No more scantrons with endless bubbling. Fewer multiple choice questions in general. More writing and charting and showing work.
The tests will not just be run through a computer, either. They're going to be graded by teachers.
For a lot of students these changes are a huge relief. Lawmakers have been hearing complaints about standardized testing for years. Now many school officials are pushing for more changes that would take the testing pressure off teachers and districts.
STAAR is a standardized test given in the state of Texas to primary and secondary students. It is state mandated, which means if a public school is to receive funds in the state of Texas, they must give this test and your child is not allowed to opt out of them.
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