Texas bill to overhaul STAAR test clears the House but faces a skeptical Senate
- On May 12, 2025, legislators in Austin took an initial vote in favor of House Bill 4, which proposes replacing the STAAR standardized exam with shorter assessments.
- Lawmakers seek to reduce over-testing and instructional time lost to STAAR preparation, which currently requires 17-18 days, while the Senate remains skeptical and proposes a slower implementation timeline.
- The bill would administer three shorter online exams throughout the year, test students early for targeted instruction, and revise A-F school ratings by adding metrics like teacher training and workforce readiness.
- Rep. Brad Buckley said this would reduce test prep time and make assessments more student-centered, while critics warn it could obscure true grade-level mastery and remove social studies testing from grades 3-8.
- If the Senate approves and Gov. Abbott signs HB 4, the state’s education accountability system will change significantly, affecting school ratings, testing practices, and possibly restoring trust in the system.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Texas school board member says don't replace STAAR test with 3 tests
The Texas House passed a bill to eliminate the STAAR test in Texas classrooms.What is STAAR? House Bill 4 would overhaul the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test better known as the STAAR test. Its a once-a-year test the state and school districts use to monitor student learning and teacher performance. Teachers have long argued the STAAR test takes up important instructional time while preparing for it.Watch Lauren talk to educ…
East Texans react to possible end of STAAR testing
TYLER, Texas (KETK) -- STAAR testing could soon hear its final bell as Texas lawmakers move toward overhauling the annual exams, educators and parents alike say they fully support its end. Tyler ISD seniors ready for work after graduation "The STAAR test is very stressful for small kids," East Texas parent, Jourdan Ballou said. "Knowing that if you don't pass the STAAR test, you cannot go to the next grade." House Bill 4 would change the t…
Texas House passes bill to eliminate STAAR, replace with different testing program
AUSTIN (Nexstar) -- When elementary and middle school students begin the 2025-2026 school year in September there's a chance they could be facing a new era of testing in Texas public schools. The Texas House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill to eliminate the STAAR, a standardized test the state uses to monitor student performance. It has faced criticism from school leaders and lawmakers who say the end-of-year test places too muc…
Less STAAR stress? Proposed bill aims to change the way Texas tests
At the Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center, students from Rose Shaw Elementary arent just learning theyre playing, exploring and reading.Can everybody say spaghetti? Spaghetti! one student shouted during a group activity, the room erupting in laughter and participation.To educator and advocate Dr. Nancy Vera, its exactly what school should look like.Were making it fun. Were making it interesting, Vera said. With standardized tests, they ma…
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