Panel could recommend scrapping STAAR tests

A special panel recommending changes to the state’s public school testing and accountability system could propose that the state scrap the controversial assessment regime known as STAAR.

The Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability didn't appear ready to get rid of the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness exams at its last meeting in June despite widespread frustrations with the testing program, which was implemented in 2012. But a new draft report the 15-member panel is expected to refine and vote on at its final meeting Wednesday says STAAR should be replaced by a series of computer-based assessments throughout the school year. The results would “provide useful, real-time feedback to educators, parents, and students," the report says.

The recommendation is one of nine included in the commission’s report to Gov. Greg Abbott and the Legislature — and by far the most extreme. Others include streamlining the state's curriculum, tweaking school accountability measures and extending a law, expiring next year, that allows some high schoolers to graduate without passing all five end-of-course exams. Commission members submitted 53 recommendations for consideration after its May meeting, where it struggled to hammer out a list of recommendations.

The draft report also includes five "considerations for further study," including exploring whether to replace STAAR with nationally recognized assessments that align with the state’s curriculum.

Widespread technical and logistical problems with the spring administration of STAAR under a new testing vendor fueled an ongoing backlash against high-stakes standardized testing in the state this year.

A recent large-scale survey organized by State Board of Education Chairwoman Donna Bahorich found that a majority of educators, parents and students support eliminating all statewide testing.

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This story was originally published July 27, 2016 at 11:51 AM with the headline "Panel could recommend scrapping STAAR tests."