Written by Jessica Miller
STAAR testing is a state-mandated test in Texas that every student from third grade to junior year has to take.
There are a lot of different opinions on whether it’s needed to evaluate our level of education or not. About 53% of parents believe that STAAR testing is an effective test to show our readiness (Butt Foundation).
Mr. Crappell, a Chemistry teacher said, “I think it’s necessary to be able to judge and compare students’ level of understanding.”
A big topic when it comes to STAAR testing is what can be improved. A way the STAAR testing preparation can be improved is by doing “Practice and review” (Teachermade). Teachers can help students study by giving them reviews before the test happens.
Mr. Crappell said, “I think the nature of some of the questions, particularly the wording of certain questions, is very confusing.”
Another topic on STAAR testing is what benefits of it there are. A benefit of STAAR testing is that it helps evaluate the readiness of students for the next grade. According to the Texas Education Agency, “Test results should provide parents assurance that their child is prepared to enter the next grade”.
Charlie Murray, Guyer student said “It gets students ready for SATs”, Another benefit of STAAR testing is that it does help students with other tests, and it shows our readiness in certain subjects.
Something else that is debated when it comes to STAAR testing is the disadvantages. The article “It’s time to pull the plug on STAAR tests and campus ratings”, by Jim LeBuffe states, “STAAR tests are heavily weighted against poor kids”, it is believed that children who come from families with a lower income are more likely to fail the STAAR test than kids who come from wealthier families.
Mr. Crappell said “Another disadvantage is that it’s a “high stakes test, which makes it very intense and nerve-wracking for some students.” According to Lumen Learning, “16-20% of students have high test anxiety”, which can make taking tests more difficult for them to do than it may be for others.
Additional Resources:
https://www.texasmonthly.com/opinion/how-texas-staar-test-took-over-public-school-culture
https://www.statesman.com/story/opinion/columns/your-voice/2020/06/19/opinion-itrsquos-time-to-pull-plug-on-staar-tests-and-campus-ratings/113845170
https://www.texasassessment.gov/staar.html