Middleton: HB 764 'eliminates unnecessary STARR tests, gives more flexibility to school districts regarding standardized tests'

Texas State Rep. Mayes Middleton (R-Wallisville) indicated a bill approved by the Legislature on May 7 that cuts funding for state-imposed testing of students saves residents money and removes an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.

He said eliminating standardized state testing through the Student Testing and Assessment Reform (STARR) Act, is more relevant than ever with more students learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The reforms include eliminating unnecessary STAAR tests and giving more flexibility to school districts regarding standardized tests,” Middleton said on a Facebook posting. “I am a proud co-author of this important legislation.”

House Bill (HB) 764 was authored to enact reform of academic assessments of students in public schools.

State Rep. Brooks Landgraf (R-Odessa) said HB 764 insures that students are tested as required by federal law, and not at the state level by imposing a different battery of tests critics said is an example of over-testing.

“The bill eliminates any statewide test that is not federally required and eliminates end-of-course exams for high school students,” Landgraf said on the news website yourbasin.com.

A report in the Dallas Observer said parents and teachers pleaded with state officials to forgo standardized testing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The test was administered in April, but widespread glitches occurred during online testing, the report said.

Proponents maintain the state tests encourage accountability and a way to gauge student achievement. Critics contend the testing is punishing and places unnecessary stress on parents and teachers.   

In addition, STARR testing only applies to some subjects like math, science, English and social studies. Subjects like art and PE are exempted from such testing.

Legislators said HB 764 gives school districts the option to continue on with the same testing structure they now have, or shift to a different method, using federally-approved or state testing.

A roll-call of the vote on HB 764 is available at capitol.texas.gov.