Texas Legislature sends message it wants debate on issue
The Texas Legislature is sending a strong signal that it doesn’t like the standardized tests your kids have to take.
The House budget proposal did not include any money for standardized tests. Austin based analyst Bryan Preston says lawmakers have put Texas' STARR program on the spot.
“Lawmakers have some concerns about the testing, its effectiveness and its cost,” Preston explained to KTRH. “They’re trying to make sure that this program does its job. Rather than give it the funding it had before they are zeroing it out so the conversation about its usefulness and effectiveness can begin.”
Bill Hammond of the Texas Association of Business proposed changes to the STARR program a month ago and tells KTRH the debate in Austin should be productive.
“I think we’re headed for some changes. The question is whether we’ll be able to maintain a system that will move us toward graduating kids career and college ready. Simply not enough do right now,” Hammond said.
Hammond says Austin seems open to his ideas.
“We’ve gotten some good reaction. We think our proposals would get more kids into programs which is one thing we need to do in Texas,” Hammond explained.
Texas' STARR program, with its 15 tests, went into effect last year.
