Introduction to the STAAR Test Boycott
Some parents in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) are speaking out about their children being presented with the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test, despite opting out of taking it. This issue has sparked a boycott against the STAAR test, which is being administered this spring. The boycott is not new, as a similar one occurred last year to protest the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) takeover of HISD.
The Concerns of Parents
HISD parent Karina Quezada has opted her children out of the STAAR test every year, but this year was different. Despite her refusal being on file, her younger children were still presented with the test. Quezada is not alone in her concerns, as other parents are also opting their children out of the test due to various reasons such as religious and moral beliefs or the amount of instructional time dedicated to teaching to the test.
The Role of the STAAR Test
According to the TEA, the STAAR test is essential to determine how much a student has learned and how well a school has prepared them for their future. The test results help determine accountability ratings for schools and whether a student is ready for the next grade level or graduation. However, some parents argue that standardized tests do not determine the success of their children.
The Impact on Education
Liz Silva, a parent of two students at an elementary school in the New Education System (NES), has seen a shift in the curriculum towards more test-focused instruction. The emphasis on social-emotional learning and hands-on, project-based learning has been replaced with worksheets and Google slides guided by a strict timer and script. This change has raised concerns among parents about the quality of education their children are receiving.
The Rights of Parents and Students
Ruth Kravetz, a former HISD teacher and co-founder of Community Voices for Public Education, believes that presenting an exam to a student who has opted out goes against the wishes of parents. This puts the child in a difficult position, having to choose between obeying their parent and their teacher. Kravetz argues that this is not a fair situation for a 9-year-old child to be in.
The District’s Response
An HISD spokesperson stated that while state law requires every eligible student to participate in the STAAR test, students can refuse to complete the test if their parent has directed them not to. In such cases, the test is marked with an "S" for Score. However, parents like Quezada are concerned that their children are still being presented with the test despite their opt-out requests.
Conclusion
The STAAR test boycott in HISD has raised important questions about the role of standardized testing in education and the rights of parents and students. While the district and the TEA emphasize the importance of the STAAR test, parents are concerned about the impact of high-stakes testing on their children’s education. The issue highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to education, one that balances the need for accountability with the need for a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.
