STARR testing changes, here are the important things parents need to know
Hello SAISD Parents,
I would like to review some of the significant changes the Texas Education Agency or TEA has made in the STAAR testing, which will go into effect in 2023. These changes started in 2019 when the Educational Committee created House Bill 3906, which established a “multiple choice cap,” meaning that no more than 75% of points on a STAAR test can be based on multiple choice questions. The other significant change is that all tests will be taken online, which is now mandated and no longer a choice. Now that the test has limited multiple-choice questions, it will allow students more time to use their critical thinking skills and to provide supporting evidence when answering these new questions. Some of the questions will include numbered lines and plotting points on graphs. The other change that was made is that 4th- 7th graders will no longer have to take a writing test because the new test will incorporate reading and writing. Now that all testing will be online, students will get their results back faster. Parents, according to TEA, the new test will give our children more opportunities because these tests reflect what our children are learning in the classrooms.
The bigger question is will these new tests help or hurt our child’s academic success. Also, how will schools deal with an A-F grading system especially if the testing results come back and some students didn’t pass. No matter how many times TEA changes the STAAR’S tests there are always negative consequences even if the child passes. Because at the end of the day all children learn differently so they should not have just one test define their proficiency. Parents, all we can do now is work with our child’s teachers to ensure that they are ready to take the new STAAR’S tests. If anyone would like to go read about these changes you can go to the TEA website https://tea.texas.gov. There are also videos that parents can watch.
Lastly, if anyone has any question or concerns please contact me at lena.lopez@saobserver.com
Have a Blessed Week, Lena Lopez
