WACO, Texas (KXXV) — Starting in the 2027 school year, Texas students will take three shorter tests each year aimed at measuring whether their core academic skills are on track for promotion to the next grade.
- The STAAR test would be replaced by three shorter tests taken throughout the school year
- Taking three tests throughout the school year instead of one big test is aimed to help with academics and lift test-taking pressures
- These changes will not take place until the 2027-2028 school year
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Starting in the 2027 school year, Texas students will take three shorter tests each year aimed at measuring whether their core academic skills are on track for promotion to the next grade.
According to the Texas Tribune, education experts say the change could give families a clearer picture of student progress and help teachers better target their instruction throughout the year.
But the move also comes with uncertainty — and mixed feelings from school leaders.
Superintendent Sees Potential Benefits — and Unanswered Questions
Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer says she sees value in the plan but notes that key details are still unclear.
“Do I think it's well worthwhile and good for students? Yes, but I’m still unsure on some things and I think we all are as educators. You know, will we be able to give the beginning in the middle of the year? I’ve read some language that says the TEA will design all three. I’ve read other language that says districts will have the chance to — we want a nationally normed assessment for the first two and then we’ll have a TEA assessment of the third. So again, there’s lots of uncertainty about what’s coming,” Spicer said. She added that while the three-test model would replace a single long exam, it remains to be seen how the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will design and implement them.
Will It Ease or Increase Test Pressure?
One of the biggest questions is whether spreading testing across three dates will reduce pressure on students — or simply add more.
“I think it depends on the weight,” Spicer explained. “If all the weight and state accountability is at the end of the test, it will be the same thing we’re currently doing. Now, if the weight is spread between those three tests, that could alleviate stress for our students, our staff, and our systems. But right now, we don’t know yet.”She said that much of the uncertainty comes from the need for official interpretation from lawmakers and state education officials.
What’s Next?
- Implementation Year: 2027-2028 school year
- Structure: Three shorter tests instead of one long exam
- Goal: Provide earlier feedback to families and improve instructional focus
Until the TEA finalizes its plans, Spicer says educators and parents alike will have to wait to see whether the change is “good for kids.”
