Texas overhauls STAAR tests amid persistent math struggles post-pandemic

Texas is set to replace its current STAAR tests with three shorter, adaptive assessments starting in the 2027-2028 school year. The change comes as new statewide results reveal ongoing challenges in student performance, particularly in math. Statewide test results released on Tuesday show mixed progress. Most grades have recovered in reading, but no grade level has fully rebounded in math since the pandemic. On average, passing rates in math remain over 10 percentage points below 2019 levels.

Seventh-grade math saw a sharp decline, with only 48% of students passing this year compared to 73% in 2019. The Texas Education Agency attributes part of this drop to more students taking the eighth-grade math test. Houston ISD reflected this trend, with 49% of seventh-graders passing math in 2023, down from 69% in 2019.

Despite the setbacks in math, some improvements were noted. Houston ISD eighth-graders improved their pass rates by 4 percentage points in math and 7 points in reading. Seventh-graders in the district also raised their reading pass rates by 6 percentage points.

The new passing standards have been adjusted. Students now only need to be 'approaching' grade level to pass, with the 'meets grade level' benchmark set 5% lower than pre-pandemic performance. Currently, 45% of students in grades 3-8 meet grade-level standards in math, while 55% do so in reading. The upcoming shift to adaptive testing aims to address persistent gaps in student achievement. The new system will take effect in 2027, with current data showing 45% of students meeting math standards and 55% in reading. Schools will continue to monitor progress as they adapt to the changes.