Texas business leaders propose changes to standardized tests
Some business leaders in the state think the standardized test used in Texas for High School graduation requirements is too tough.
The current system, the STARR test, requires that our kids take 15 end of course exams. Bill Hammond and the Texas Association of Business think that number is too high. He is proposing changes.
“We’re allowing the districts the flexibility on the use of end of course exams,” Hammond told KTRH.
Hammond stated that the current number of 15, while more effective than past programs, is too extreme.<PSI_END_OBJECT>
“We’ve set out a reasonable reduction in the number of end of course exams students must pass to graduate,” Hammond explained.
Hammond and others want to reduce the number of tests to 13.
So, does Texas need changes to STARR? Dennis Adams of the University of Houston says it's too early to say since the program is still in its infancy, but he told KTRH a lot of students are not ready for college right now.
“We really would like to see improved student quality as they arrive. The sooner we can get them ready for college, the better,” Adams said.
But Adams of believes the STARR program has been difficult for Texas students.
“We’re seeing an overall increase in the stress level of kids taking STARR,” Adams said. “We’re seeing an increased frustration level with teachers trying to adapt lessons to what the new STARR tests mean,” Adams explained.
It's important to note that Hammond's plan is just a proposal. State officials say there is a lot more discussion needed.
