Staff Writer | August 5, 2025
Texas legislators have revived efforts to eliminate the STAAR exam, the state’s long-standing standardized test, and replace it with a series of shorter assessments. According to The Texas Tribune, both House Bill 8 and Senate Bill 8 propose administering three shorter tests—at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year—with only the final exam being mandatory.
This shift aims to reduce student stress and allow teachers to use test results more effectively throughout the year. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a key negotiator, stated, “What gets measured gets fixed, and this bill measures student success in a fairer way.”
Despite bipartisan support, the legislation remains in limbo due to a walkout by Texas House Democrats over redistricting, which has stalled all bills in the current special session.
Key points from the proposed legislation:
- Results would be delivered within 48 hours.
- The Texas Education Agency (TEA) commissioner would retain sole authority to update school rating standards.
- A new committee would oversee changes to the A–F school accountability system.
- Lawsuits challenging school ratings would be restricted to prevent delays.
Critics of STAAR have long argued that the test causes undue stress and forces educators to “teach to the test.” A Charles Butt Foundation survey found that 8 in 10 Texas teachers view STAAR prep as a barrier to quality instruction.
If passed, the new testing system would be implemented by the 2027–28 school year. Until then, students will continue taking STAAR.