"Now is the time for the state to put the needs of millions of students above data numbers and protocol. STAAR testing must be put on hold."
-Texas PTA President Suzi Kennon.
Read more,including the letter sent to our decision makers, below; and join by adding your voice! Write or call Governor Abbott and Commissioner Morath to share your concern about STAAR testing during this unprecedented time.
Governor Abbott's contact information can be found here:
https://gov.texas.gov/contact
TEA Contact Information :
StudentAssessment@tea.texas.gov
Or call TEA Commissioner Mike Morath at
(512) 463-8985
commissioner@tea.texas.gov
July 13 ·
“In March of this year, the life of every single Texan was upended. As coronavirus swept the state, we suddenly faced unexpected situations and little time for planning. Our schools were forced to shutter, and our students and educators were thrust into a world of online learning. For many of our children, this switch was detrimental. Students whose households lack internet connectivity or appropriate devices did not receive the same level of instruction as their peers. For this reason, Texas children are not starting the new school year all on the same foot.
“Our students and schools must be given time to recover. State assessments have no place in the 2020-2021 school year. In a letter (https://bit.ly/2OpA4xe) to Governor Abbott, Texas PTA is urging that the state request a waiver for STAAR testing from the U.S. Department of Education. Assessing all students on the skills many were unable to learn is unfair and harmful.
“Five months later, we are still standing on shaky ground. The pandemic is not over, and we cannot expect our schools to go back to ‘business as usual.’ Now is the time for the state to put the needs of millions of students above data numbers and protocol. STAAR testing must be put on hold."
Suzi Kennon
Texas PTA President