Texas 2036 Launches New Video Series Explaining Post-STAAR Options
With the commencement of STAAR testing this week, it is imperative to consider the future changes the Texas academic assessment system will undergo in Fall 2027. These modifications are aimed at addressing the challenges that Texas families and educators have long faced with the existing evaluation framework. Mary Lynn Pruneda, the director of education and workforce policy for Texas 2036, expressed that the state has taken heed of these concerns and is introducing a new system in response to the shared challenges encountered.
The forthcoming alterations will bring about a through-year testing system and Texas 2036 has released a series of videos elucidating the transition and outlining the benefits that parents and students can anticipate. The trilogy of videos delves into the purpose of student assessments, the nuances of the new academic assessment system set to replace STAAR, and what parents can expect for their children in the upcoming academic year and beyond.
The inception of this new system is concurrent with the initiation of STAAR testing for the current academic year. Under House Bill 8, spearheaded by state Rep. Brad Buckley and state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the STAAR will continue to be implemented until the 2027-28 academic year, following which it will be succeeded by the Student Success Tool (SST) in all public schools in Texas. This transition signifies a significant shift in the approach to student testing, with testing frequency elevating from once annually to thrice a year.
The new system will see students in grades 3-8 partaking in shorter assessments in core subjects at the beginning, middle, and end of the academic year, replacing the traditional end-of-year exam. This alteration seeks to provide teachers and families with prompt information that can be promptly acted upon, rather than receiving scores after the conclusion of the school year. Furthermore, the adaptive nature of the beginning-of-year and middle-of-year assessments will tailor questions based on a student’s responses, aiming to furnish more tailored insights into individual student progress and growth.
Additionally, the English II exam will no longer be mandatory for graduation due to the modifications introduced in HB 8, while high school students will continue to be evaluated in Algebra I, Biology, English I, and U.S. History. The Texas Education Agency is mandated to present a comprehensive implementation plan to the Legislature by February 15, 2027, facilitating the seamless integration of the SST into the academic assessment landscape.
A public opinion poll conducted by Texas 2036 in December 2025 revealed overwhelming support for the envisioned reforms to the state’s academic assessment and accountability framework. The poll results indicate broad consensus on various aspects, including the administration of three shorter tests throughout the academic year, expedited availability of test results, and the elimination of excessive practice tests to restore instructional time.
In conclusion, the shift towards the SST heralds a promising future for students, parents, and educators in Texas. By focusing on providing timely and tailored information to support student learning, the new system aims to shift the emphasis from testing-induced stress to fostering a supportive environment for student growth and development. As Trip Davis, K-12 education policy advisor for Texas 2036, aptly states, “Testing isn’t the goal — learning is.”