Texas drops 5th, 8th grade STARR exam requirement

The state of Texas has dropped the requirement for the student to pass the STARR test for fifth and eighth-graders, according to an announcement made by Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday, July 27.

Students will still be required to take the test but passing the testing is no longer a requirement to move to the next grade.

Normally, fifth and eighth-graders must pass the STAAR to move on to the next grade, or else they must retake it later that year or over the summer. But Gov. Abbott said that “next spring, the fifth and eighthgrade math, and reading exams would only be administered one time, in May, according to the Texas Tribune.

Abbott also said Monday that “schools and districts would continue to receive A-F ratings based on students’ test scores, with certain adjustments due to COVID-19.” The statement did not elaborate on those adjustments.

Abbott also noted the test was necessary to provide a high-quality education for students. “By waiving these promotion requirements, we are providing greater flexibility for students and teachers, while at the same time ensuring that Texas students continue to receive a great education, which we will continue to measure with high-quality assessments,” Abbott said in a statement on Monday, July 27.

The state has also revised testing dates for students and has updated TEA’s strategy for the online administration of tests.The calendar is subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of July 27, students in grades three through eighth will take mathematics STARR testing on Tuesday, May 11 for inclass learning and May 11 through June 11 for remote learners.

Students in grades three through eighth will take reading STARR testing on Wednesday, May 12 for inclass learning and May 11 through June 11 for remote learners.

Students in fifth grade will take science STARR testing on Thursday, May 13 for inclass learning and May 11 through June 11 for remote learners. Students in eighth grade will take science and social studies STARR testing on Thursday, May 6(science) and Friday, May 7 (social studies) for in-class learners, and May 6-June 11 for remote learners.

The updated STARR testing schedule can be found on the Texas Education Agency website.