Educator: STAAR tests show ‘remote learning was a disaster’ in Texas

Veteran educator Melissa Martin is not surprised the Houston Independent School District reported a decline in STAAR scores.

The Texas Education Agency announced the spring 2021 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) results on June 28, which include mathematics and reading for grades three through eight; writing for fourth and seventh graders; science for fifth and eighth graders, and eighth-grade social studies.

High school students take end-of-course (EOC) exams in Algebra I, English I, English II, biology and U.S. history. Students in Houston schools saw lower scores in almost all areas, matching statewide results.

“As a result of the learning disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of students not meeting grade level increased from 2019 across all subject areas and grade levels, with English I and English II being the only exceptions,” the TEA reported. “As a subject area, mathematics reflects the largest decline in proficiency across all grade levels. Districts with a higher percentage of students learning virtually experienced a greater degree of declines. Districts with the highest percentage of in-person learners largely avoided any learning declines in reading.”

The Houston ISD had a dramatic drop in math scores, as just 34% of eighth graders were ranked as Approaching Grade Level in 2021, in contrast to 72% in 2019. No STAAR tests were administered in 2020 as the pandemic quickly spread across Texas, causing districts to close their doors in the early spring.

Houston fourth-grade students also dropped to 56% Approaching Grade Level for reading, down from 68% in 2019.

There was a sliver of good news, as high school students tested at a slight increase in both English I and English II end-of-course scores.

“I’m not at all surprised by the STAAR results,” Martin told Houston Daily. “Remote learning was a disaster.”

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, in a statement when the STAAR results were released, said it was “painfully clear that the pandemic had a very negative impact on learning. I shudder to consider the long-term impact on children in states that restricted in-person instruction.”

He said the test results were understandably disappointing.

“Now, we have full assessment results in hand for nearly all Texas students,” Morath said. “The data may be disheartening, but with it, our teachers and school leaders are building action plans to support students in the new school year. Policymakers are using it to direct resources where they are needed most. And parents can log into TexasAssessment.gov to understand how well each of their children learned this year’s material, and how to support the academic growth of their children moving forward. Armed with the best information, working closely together and with significant new supports from the Texas Legislature, we will provide stronger academic growth for students than ever before.” 

The Houston ISD will add 15 days of instruction for the 2021-22 school year, it announced when tests results were released.

“The recent STAAR test results provide us an opportunity to address student academic needs and utilize resources to regain learning,” the statement read. “HISD is adding 15 additional days of instruction and returning to 100% in-person instruction in the fall. We expect this will produce better student outcomes. Additionally, we are formulating plans that will mitigate students’ lost time and improve educational performance.”

Martin said she doubts much will change, despite students, teachers, parents and lawmakers calling for an end to the STAAR tests.

“I don’t foresee changes in testing,” Martin told Houston Daily. “There is too much money to be made off of the relentless testing of students.”

Martin is a career and technology teacher for the Deer Park Independent School District, as well as an advisor for the Family Career and Community Leaders of America, and a former advisor for the Texas Association of Future Educators. In August 2020, she said closing schools was a mistake that would have dire consequences.

“I believe schools need to be open for in-person education as soon as possible,” Martin told East Houston News. “The decision on when and how to open should be a local district decision. We elect school board members in each district who should collaborate with their communities to make decisions that best meet their needs.

“The risks of keeping our buildings closed to children include cognitive deficits as well as mental health issues,” she continued last summer. “Those two issues are my biggest concern, as we can’t deny that remote learning isn’t as effective as having students and teachers together. Additionally, the CDC has noted the risks our students face for mental health problems amid isolation. I’m hopeful that the surrounding districts that are bringing students back into their buildings are successful so they can serve as a model for the rest of us.”

The STAAR results show her fears, and predictions, may have been well-founded.

Martin is a board member and the treasurer of Innovative Teachers of Texas, a nonprofit, non-union organization created to give Texas teachers a choice in their professional representation.

Martin received a Bachelor of Science degree in family and consumer science and a Master of Education in education administration from Lamar University.