A New Bill That Could Transform Standardized Testing In Texas Is Headed To The Senate

(WBAP/KLIF) – AUSTIN, TX – House Bill 4 would swap out the current STAAR test for a shorter version to allow more time for teaching. If the bill is passed, students would test three times throughout the year to track their progress, and instead of using a fixed scale students would be ranked against peers nationwide. Supporters believe that this is a more accurate way to track progress, however critics worry that it will not accurately show if students are truly meeting grade level expectations. While the House gave the plan preliminary approval, it’s likely in for a tough fight in the Senate which has its own ideas for standardized testing and school ratings.