A bipartisan group of state lawmakers is calling for the state to cancel the upcoming April STAAR test — as more public school districts suspend classes in the wake of heightened concern over coronavirus.
State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, sent a letter to the governor Friday asking that “any and all requirements and mandates related to the provision of the 2020 STAAR test” be canceled, since area school districts have “substantially limited” classroom instruction.
The federal government is already considering waiversfrom testing requirements for areas heavily impacted by the COVID-19 disease. The state is expected to provide more guidance on the issue next week.
Based on the feedback of countless parents and educators in my District, I strongly believe that the upcoming STAAR tests should be canceled. This morning I sent this letter to Governor Abbott expressing my concerns and asking asking him to do so. #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/DRK8CiIXs8
— Jeff Leach (@leachfortexas) March 14, 2020
The TEA says a decision could come this week.
Statement regarding the administration of state assessments #txed pic.twitter.com/i0Yp68JnKb
— Texas Education Agency (@teainfo) March 14, 2020
