Texas is set to retire the one-and-done STAAR exam. The Texas Senate approved a plan to scrap the single, high-pressure exam and replace it with three shorter tests given at the start, middle and end of the school year. The change is part of HB 8, authored by Rep. Brad Buckley and carried in the Senate by Sen. Paul Bettencourt. The Texas Education Agency will design the new system for a pilot in 2026–27 and full rollout in 2027–28, according to the official Senate statement.
“We’re replacing it with a transformative set of three tests and that will transform Texas education for decades to come,” Bettencourt told senators. The goal is to reduce test prep, give teachers earlier reads on student progress and cut the stress tied to a single high-stakes day.
Why It’s Happening
Lawmakers cited years of concern that STAAR eats up class time and pushes “teach to the test.” Under HB 8, the first two exams serve as true progress checks, with results delivered to families and teachers within 48 hours so schools can adjust instruction quickly, according to the Senate statement. This enables educators to identify which students require assistance and in which subjects. Only the end-of-year test will count toward accountability ratings.
Supporters say the shift returns time to teaching and gives schools a clearer picture of growth across the year. The bill also shortens exams and limits benchmark or practice testing so classrooms keep teaching instead of grinding to a halt before test week. “They’ll know where they stand and they’ll know where they stand immediately,” Bettencourt said.
What Stays In Place
HB 8 cements A–F ratings for districts and campuses, a system launched in 2017 to give parents a simple snapshot of performance. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the letter-grade approach grew from a conversation with then-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and “transformed education in Florida because every parent knew how their schools were performing,” according to the Senate statement.
Timeline And Who Builds It
The Texas Education Agency will develop the assessments and oversee the phased rollout: a smaller “beta” in 2026–27, followed by statewide implementation in 2027–28. The agency must meet the bill’s requirements for shorter tests and rapid reporting to families and teachers, according to the Senate statement.
So, To Sum It All Up
- Three touchpoints: Beginning-, mid- and end-of-year exams
- Fast feedback: Scores returned within 48 hours to students, parents and teachers
- Shorter tests: Benchmark and practice exams are limited to protect class time
- Accountability link: Only the third test factors into state A–F ratings
- When: Rollout starts 2027–28 after a pilot year
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