Introduction to Changes in Texas’ Annual STAAR Test
A new bill is on its way to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk, which could potentially replace Texas’ annual STAAR test with three shorter tests. This change is expected to take effect in 2027. The bill, known as House Bill 8, aims to transform the assessment and accountability system in Texas schools.
What the New Bill Entails
House Bill 8 replaces the annual STAAR test with three tests administered at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. The bill’s author, Republican Rep. Brad Buckley, believes that this new system will increase academic accountability while assessing students’ skills throughout the year. Buckley stated that the law "creates transformational change in our assessment and accountability system" and "ends the high stakes and high-stress nature of one test, one day."
Support for the New Bill
Republican state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, who sponsored HB8 in the Senate, expressed his support for the bill, saying, "What gets measured gets fixed. And HB 8 measures what matters — student success." Bettencourt also believes that the new bill will restore classroom time, end wasteful lawsuits, and prepare Texas students for real-world achievement.
Opposition to the Bill
Not everyone is in favor of the new bill. Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin opposes HB8, urging Gov. Abbott to veto the bill. Hinojosa argues that the bill does not deliver on its promise of shorter, lower-stress tests, and instead triples the number of tests students need to take. She believes that this will create a culture of teaching to the test all year long, which will negatively impact students.
Educators’ Perspectives
Some educators welcome the change, despite needing more specifics before the new tests take effect in 2027. Sheila Walker, president of the local National Education Association, is cautiously optimistic about HB8. She believes that the bill is a good start towards not over-testing kids and reducing anxiety. However, she still wants more details about the new testing system.
Conclusion
The potential replacement of the STAAR test with three shorter tests has sparked debate among lawmakers and educators. While some believe that the new system will increase academic accountability and reduce stress, others argue that it will create a culture of teaching to the test. As the bill awaits Gov. Abbott’s signature, educators and students will have to wait and see how the new testing system will be implemented and what impact it will have on Texas schools.
