Texas Education Agency delays release of annual school ratings
TEA said it needs to make adjustments to account for changes in studentsโ academic performance after the pandemic. The delay comes after several school districts sued to stop the agency from releasing school rankings produced under a new rating system.
School safety, tutoring and hair: These are some of the new education laws that go into effect this year
Lawmakers failed to pass legislation on school vouchers or teacher raises this year, but they approved other education-related laws like an $800 million investment in high-quality instructional materials and new rules for students found vaping or using marijuana.
Despite post-pandemic improvements, STAAR scores show Texas students are still struggling with math and reading
Test results have gone up since the pandemic in both subjects, but math scores are still below 2019 levels and about half of Texas students read below the level appropriate for most children in their grade.
High-poverty schools struggle to earn Texasโ highest rating. Some in the Rio Grande Valley break that trend.
The Texas Education Agency has dismissed the notion that the accountability ratings are a poverty rating. As evidence, they point to districts like those in the Rio Grande Valley, which have achieved high marks while serving a high number of economically disadvantaged students.
Analysis: Texas schools need support from politically distracted state leaders
Public education in Texas โ like everywhere in the country โ is hurting after more than two years of pandemic. But many in the political class are preoccupied with reforms that have more to do with social issues than with education.
How local school districts measured in testing after dramatic drop in STAAR test scores
The number of students failing to meet grade-level went up statewide across all grade levels and nearly all subject areas according to results of theย Spring 2021 STAAR test released Monday by the Texas Education Agency.
Texas will require students to take the STAAR test in person
(TEXAS TRIBUNE) โ Texas public school students must show up in person to take the STAAR test this spring and districts can apply for waivers to socially distance test-takers, according to recent guidance released by the Texas Education Agency. School districts can set up sites outside of their schools, including performing arts centers, hotels and recreational centers where they can "ensure equitable access and maintain test security." Currently, Texas requires all districts to allow in-person learning for all students who want it, with few exceptions. Texas has already said students in younger grades who fail required STAAR exams can move up to the next grade. Morath said the data from the tests will show the extent of the educational gaps Texas students have experienced during a devastating pandemic.
Gov. Abbott waives grade promotion requirements for 2020-21 STAAR test
HOUSTON โ Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday that the grade-promotion requirement related to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test, for students in grades 5 and 8 will be waived in the 2020-21 school year. SCHOOLS: Follow all our latest coverage of what Houston-area school districts have planned for the upcoming school yearThe STAAR test begins in third grade and can stop poor-performing students from advancing to the next grade or graduating high school. Test scores are also used to evaluate teachers and are part of the stateโs A-F grading system for schools. The test will be administered in May to coincide with the STAAR testing for other grades 3-8, officials announced Monday. And while he is at it, he should just suspend STAAR testing for 2020-21, period.
Texas to resume high-stakes STAAR testing in 2020-21 school year
AUSTIN, Texas โ Texas public school districts haven't finalized their plans for a return to the classroom, but they know the state will resume its high-stakes standardized testing for millions of students. Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath told the state Board of Education on Tuesday that the annual State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, also known as STAAR, will return in the 2020-2021 school year. Days later, the federal government waived its standardized testing requirements. The STAAR test begins in third grade and can stop poor-performing students from advancing to the next grade or graduating high school. โStandardized testing should be the last priority for students, educators and policy makers.
Governor Abbott waives STAAR testing requirements for 2019-2020 school year
AUSTIN โ Governor Greg Abbott announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. Abbott said he is working closely with the Texas Education Agency to ensure that schools continue to deliver instruction to students while students are absent or while schools are closed due to COVID-19. Abbott said he will continue to work with the TEA on developing additional methods to ensure that students are learning at the next grade-level. โYour health and safety are top priorities, and the state of Texas will give school districts flexibility to protect and ensure the health of students, faculty, and their families,โ Abbott said.