PROBLEMS AGAIN PLAGUE STAAR TESTING STATEWIDE

  

Problems with the State of Texas’ standardized testing in schools this spring affected thousands of students, including some in Brenham I.S.D.

The Texas Education Agency reports that over 71,000 students across the state experienced glitches while taking the STAAR tests last month.  The STAAR and EOC (End of Course) exams are administered by a New Jersey based company, Educational Testing Service, which has a $280 million contract with the state.  During April’s testing, thousands of students were affected by either internet “connectivity slowdowns”, or were booted from the testing system for about 20 minutes.  Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath says the students who were affected and failed the exams, will have that requirement waived.  Morath also said those tests would not be included in each school district’s rating.  For the first time, school districts will be assigned a grade from A to F this year.