Texas 'school choice' bill could eliminate STAAR testing
DALLAS - Texas lawmakers may do away with controversial standardized testing in a push to pass a school voucher bill.
Gov. Greg Abbott is pressuring the State House to pass a bill to give families a cash incentive to move children from public to private schools.
Senate Bill 8 would give some qualifying families tax dollars to use for private school.
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The House Education Committee chair explains it would now also create a sweeping change to the state’s accountability system – the STAAR test.
Gov. Abbott acknowledged that the changes would likely get the interest of lawmakers who previously opposed a voucher-style system giving public money to private schools.
To replace the STAAR test, a new assessment would be a shorter one given at the beginning, middle, and end of the year similar to MAP tests some districts give students now.
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Parents receiving education savings accounts for private schools would need to have their kids take the same assessment.
Eliminating the STAAR test also prompted a conversation about the A to F school rating system.
"From talking to administrators, board members, and teachers, the rating schools receive seldom reflects the quality of teaching that goes on there," said State Rep. Brad Buckley, a Republican from Salado.
Gov. Abbott threatens to veto watered-down 'school choice' bill
Governor Greg Abbott threatened to veto a watered-down House bill that would limit how many families can get a cash incentive to move their kids from public school to private school. He also threatened to call a special session if this version of the bill gets to his desk.
There are only two weeks left in this legislative session.
Monday’s committee hearing ended without a vote. So, for now, the bill is still pending.
Gov. Abbott has threatened to call special legislative sessions until lawmakers pass a school voucher bill.