In a major shake-up of Texas' public school accountability system, the Texas Senate voted late Tuesday to approve House Bill 4, which would phase out the controversial State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test and replace it with a new, three-part assessment system designed to reduce student stress and provide more timely academic insights.
The bill now returns to the Texas House of Representatives for final approval before heading to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk.
A Shift in Philosophy: From High Stakes to Real-Time Insight
Under the Senate-approved version, authored by Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R–Houston), the STAAR exam — long criticized by parents, educators, and lawmakers across party lines — would be eliminated beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. In its place, Texas students would take a national norm-referenced test three times per year: at the beginning, middle, and end of the academic year.
“This model gives teachers something they haven’t had before — timely data that actually helps them adjust instruction while it still matters,” Bettencourt said in a statement. “This isn’t about reducing rigor. It’s about making assessment useful and reducing the anxiety that comes from one big, high-pressure exam.”
Educators have long complained that STAAR scores are not released until summer, after students have moved on to new grade levels or even new schools, rendering the data virtually useless for classroom instruction. The new model would provide rapid feedback to both teachers and parents, allowing earlier interventions when students are falling behind.
Accountability Measures Still Central — But Legal Challenges Curtailed
While the bill marks a significant change in student testing, it also strengthens the state’s hand in enforcing academic standards.
One provision would block school districts from suing the state to delay or prevent the release of A–F accountability ratings. In 2023, over 100 Texas school districts filed lawsuits against the Texas Education Agency over planned changes to the ratings, arguing they were being introduced unfairly. Under the new legislation, such lawsuits would be prohibited.
The bill also permits state intervention in school districts that do not comply with the updated accountability laws.
“You can’t fix what you don’t measure,” Bettencourt said. “HB 4 ensures performance is measured fairly and transparently, and that results are used to help — not punish — schools.”
A Gradual Transition
The end of STAAR won’t happen overnight. The bill sets up a three-year phase-in period during which pilot programs will be launched and teachers will receive training on how to use the new assessments effectively. This approach aims to minimize disruption and give districts time to adapt.
Notably, the Senate version speeds up the timeline compared to the House version passed earlier this month, which had proposed a longer rollout. Bettencourt stated that House members who worked on the original bill are supportive of the Senate’s changes.
What’s Next?
With Senate approval secured, the bill returns to the House for a final vote to reconcile the new language. If approved, Governor Abbott is expected to sign the legislation into law, marking a historic change in how Texas approaches standardized testing and school accountability.
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