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STAAR testing could end with Texas school choice bill
The push to pass a school choice bill in Texas may mean the end of a controversial standardized test -- the STAAR test.
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.
MORE: Texas Legislature News
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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Texas: The Issue Is - Gov. Greg Abbott responds to criticism of education savings accounts
Governor Abbott responds to questions about his push for education savings accounts, including the impact that they will have on public schools, how charter schools will be held accountable and how he plans to win over Republicans who have opposed similar bills in the past.
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.