The STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) test is an important part of the educational process in Texas. It is used to measure student performance and progress and is used to help inform teachers and school administrators about the effectiveness of their instruction. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many are wondering if this year’s STAAR test should be canceled.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has stated that they plan to proceed with STAAR testing for the 2021 school year, despite calls from lawmakers, educators, and other advocates for the test to be canceled. Governor Greg Abbott has renewed a disaster proclamation for the state due to COVID-19 last month but has not yet responded to requests for the cancellation of STAAR testing this year.
This is a difficult decision for state leaders since canceling high stakes tests may have long-term consequences on student learning and academic performance. On one hand, it could remove some of the stress from students who are already dealing with a lot of disruption due to the pandemic. On the other hand, it could mean that students will miss out on important assessment data that could help inform their curriculum and instruction over time.
Parents have also voiced their concerns about sending their children into schools during a pandemic in order to take a high-stakes test. They worry about potential exposure and further disruption beig caused by taking these tests in person when remote learning would be safer for everyone involved.
Ultimately, this is a hard decision for state leaders as they weigh what is best for students’ academic performance against potential health risks associated with taking tests in person during a pandemic. While there has been no definitive answer yet on whether or not STAAR testing will be canceled this year, it is clear that more discussions need to take place before any decisions are made.
Impact of COVID-19 on STAAR Testing
At this time, Texas is not cancelling the STAAR test. Despite calls from lawmakers, educators and other advocates to do so, Governor Greg Abbott has not canceled STAAR testing since 2020. While the state remains under a disaster proclamation due to COVID-19, state leaders have been reluctant to cancel high-stakes testing. As such, students are expected to take the STAAR tests as scheduled.
Consequences of Failing STAAR
Yes, a student can be held back for failing STAAR Tests. In most grades, students who fail the STAAR Test twice will not be promoted to the next grade. However, in 5th and 8th grades, students who fail the Reading and/or Math STAAR Tests are given two additional opportunities to pass and be promoted to the next year’s grade. If a student fails all three attempts at the test, they may not be promoted to the next grade.
Declining a STAAR Test
Dear —,
I am writing to inform you that I have decided to decline the STAAR test for my child, [name], this year. As the parent of a student at this school, I understand that standardized tests are an important part of the educational process. However, after careful consideration, I have determined that it is in my child’s best interest not to participate in the STAAR test this year.
I wold like to request that you provide my child with alternative educational activities during the testing period. I am confident that these activities will be just as beneficial as participation in the STAAR test and will help ensure that my child continues to receive a quality education during this time. I thank you for your understanding and look forward to working with you in providing my child with a positive learning experience.
Sincerely,
[Name]
Opting Out of the STAAR Test in Texas
Yes, you can opt your child out of taking the STAAR test in Texas. All you need to do is provide written notification to the principal or teacher of your child’s school. Once this notification is received, the school is not required to have your child take the STAAR on make-up days. This means that you don’t have to keep your child absent from school for the entire testing window in order for them to opt out of taking the STAAR test. For more information about opting out of the STAAR test plase refer to Texas Education letter and background available online.
Mandatory Status of the Texas STAAR Test
The Texas STAAR test is not mandatory in the traditional sense, as students cannot be punished for not taking it. However, it is strongly encouraged that all students take the exam in order to ensure their school district meets the state’s 95% participation rate requirement under accountability. Ultimately, the decision to take or not take the STAAR test rests with each individual student and their families.
Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Can Parents Refuse the STAAR Test in Texas?
No, parents in Texas cannot refuse STAAR tests for their child. Section 26.010 of the Texas Education Code states that a parent is not entitled to remove their child from a class or other school activity to avoid a test. The Texas Education Agency also confirms that there is no parental right to opt a child out of STAAR tests. Schools are required to administer these tests in order to meet state and federal accountability requirements, and all students are expected to participate.
Consequences of Not Attending the STAAR Test
If you don’t come to the STAAR test, then you won’t be able to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and receive a score. This could have serious consequences, depending on the situation. For example, if the STAAR test is necesary for graduation or college admission, then not taking it could prevent you from graduating or getting into college. Additionally, if a student attends class but refuses to take the STAAR or STAAR EOC test, then the test MUST still be scored as required by the Texas Education Agency. Furthermore, refusing to take an End-of-Course (EOC) exam in high school may prevent you from graduating. It is important to consider all of these potential consequences before deciding not to take the STAAR test.
Can I Graduate if I Fail the STAAR Test?
Yes, you can stll graduate if you fail the STAAR test. Texas Education Code (TEC) §39.025 requires students to pass five STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) assessments in order to earn a high school diploma from a Texas public or charter school. However, the TEC offers alternative pathways for students who do not pass all of the tests. Students may be able to substitute an equivalent score on an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam as well as demonstrate mastery of the material through successful completion of a locally developed project. Additionally, some students may be eligible for a District Determination, which would allow them to graduate if they meet certain criteria set by their local district. For more information on these pathways and other requirements for graduation, please contact your local school district or state education agency.
Exemptions From STAAR
Students who are exempt from the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing include those who have been granted a medical exception, as well as students who have been identified as havig no authentic academic response. Students with disabilities may also be eligible for exemptions if they are unable to participate meaningfully in the assessment due to their disability, or if their Individual Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan indicates that they should not take the test. Additionally, certain English Learners may be exempt from some assessments if they do not yet have sufficient English language proficiency. Finally, certain students enrolled in an approved full-time virtual school program may also be exempt.
Consequences of Failing the STAAR Test for Children
If a child fails the STAAR test, the school district will provide them with accelerated instruction, which is another term for tutoring. Accelerated instruction can take place outside of regular school hours such as beore the beginning or end of the day or during summer break. This type of instruction is designed to help pupils gain a better understanding of the material and improve their academic performance. It typically involves activities that are more tailored to an individual’s learning needs than what is offered in a traditional classroom setting. The goal of accelerated instruction is to strengthen a student’s understanding of key concepts and skills that are being assessed on the STAAR test so they can be successful in the future.
Conclusion
Overall, although there are advocates pushing for the cancellation of STAAR testing in 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Texas state leaders remain reluctant to make this decision. Despite the disaster proclamation in effect and the calls from legislators, educators and other advocates, Governor Abbott has not yet canceled STAAR testing in 2021. This is likely due to the importance of having an accurate assessment of student performance and progress despite any changes or disruptions caused by the pandemic. It remains to be seen if or when a decision will be made to cancel STAAR testing for 2021.
