Special session agenda includes elimination of STAAR testing

On Wednesday, July 9, Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the agenda for the 89th Texas Legislature's first special session, adding items related to Hill Country flooding, redistricting, THC and other unfinished GOP priorities.

The 18-item list now includes one directly related to education, with Abbott asking lawmakers to consider "legislation to eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with effective tools to assess student progress and ensure school district accountability."

The initial announcement of a special session came June 22 as Abbott vetoed several bills from the regular session, asking lawmakers to return to Austin beginning July 21.

During the regular session, the Texas House passed HB 4 by Rep. Brad Buckley (R-Salado) on May 13. The bill would have replaced STAAR with three tests taken at the beginning, middle and end of the year. It also would have revised the A-F accountability system. HB 4 stalled in the Texas Senate, which had a different approach to reform in its version of the bill.

Updates from the Capitol

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Category

• Accountability
• Student Assessment