Abbott suspends STAAR testing requirements over coronavirus

Emiliano Arango, 7, uses the hand sanitizer at the Heights Boys and Girls Club, in Houston,Thursday, March 12, 2020. State officials are calling for schools to reopen on time in August, despite pleas from teachers and others that the health risks are too high. less Emiliano Arango, 7, uses the hand sanitizer at the Heights Boys and Girls Club, in Houston,Thursday, March 12, 2020. State officials are calling for schools to reopen on time in August, despite pleas from ... more Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Abbott suspends STAAR testing requirements over coronavirus 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Governor Greg Abbott on Monday waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year.

In a statement on his website, the Governor also said he is calling on the U.S. Department of Education to waive federal testing requirements for this school year, as well.

The announcement comes after almost all schools across Houston and many more across Texas closed schools in an effort to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Abbott said he is working with the Texas Education Agency to ensure students still receive instruction and that students with disabilities have the same access to education as their peers.

TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said Monday that normally the state’s standardized test is a helpful tool to gauge how much students were able to learn.

“This year, though, it has become apparent that schools will be unable to administer STAAR as they would normally,” Morath said. “We are thankful for Governor Abbott’s willingness to waive the STAAR testing requirement, as it allows schools the maximum flexibility to remain focused on public health while also investing in the capacity to support student learning remotely.”

In a conference call with education and government officials Monday, Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said the state would be delegating decisions around grade level promotion and graduation requirements to each district, the Houston Chronicle has learned.

Traditionally, students in grades 5, 8 and 12 must pass certain state-issued exams to advance to the next grade level or graduate, though some still can move on if given approval by a district committee.

Morath said he and educators across the state remain concerned that school closures related to COVID-19 will impact students’ academic growth. To that end, Morath said the TEA will make available “free tools to diagnose student learning.”

TEA officials said they are looking for ways that schools could administer the STAAR test if any local district leaders still decide they want students to take it. That decision would be up to individual districts.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers had urged state leaders to suspend standardized testing requirements as urgency to slow the spread of COVID-19 ramped up last week. State Representative Jeff Leech, R-Plano, and State Senator Beverly Powell, D-Fort Worth, both send letters to Morath and Abbott asking them to suspend testing.

“With so many unknowns surrounding how Texas schools will need to move forward with the potential spread of COVID-19, it would seem prudent to eliminate one of the most stressful circumstances that is facing not only our educators but our students and their families as well - preparing for the STAAR,” Powell wrote on Saturday.

Educator groups and school leaders praised the testing requirement waivers on Monday, including Kevin Brown, the executive director of the Texas Association of School Administrators.

“As we handle this serious public health crisis, it is appropriate and appreciated that @GovAbbott @teainfo and Com. Morath made the wise decision to waive all state tests,” Brown wrote on Twitter. “This will alleviate much anxiety and fear and allow all to focus on public health.”

Abbott said he hoped the waiver will emphasize public health over other priorities as the virus continues to spread.

“Your health and safety are top priorities, and the state of Texas will give school districts flexibility to protect and ensure the health of students, faculty, and their families,” Abbott said. “We will empower schools to make the best decisions to protect their communities from COVID-19.”

Reporter Jacob Carpenter contributed to this story.

shelby.webb@chron.com