STAAR Exam and Its Negative Effects on Schools

The STAAR exam, or State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, was introduced in 2012, replacing the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills which was the most common assessment tool used in public schools for several years in Texas. The students are not the only ones assessed by the STAAR exam but also the schools.

Public schools in Texas are required to conduct the STAAR test to their students before the school year ends. According to its makers, the STAAR helps determine the academic progress of students in key subjects taught in school. Though it’s effective in this department, many schools experienced the negative effects of this STAAR exam.

• Expensive – this statewide test is expensive. The government provides the budget but it’s not enough to cover other expenses like review materials and sample STAAR tests for students. Oftentimes, the school, teachers, or students themselves have to pay for them. They need these materials in order to pass the big test.
• Discriminatory – if you think students are the only ones who are greatly affected by STAAR test results then you’re mistaken. The school is also under a lot of pressure. That’s because whatever scores the students get in the test, the overall performance of the school will be greatly affected. Remember that the scores will be compared with those of other schools and you can just imagine how embarrassing it is to find your school in the bottom rank.
• Too much pressure- the schools must do their best to prepare students for the STAAR so it’s no surprise that they’re also under a lot of pressure. Teachers must come up with effective teaching and review strategies. There are other schools that need to make adjustments in their schedule just to accommodate review classes for the STAAR exam. If the school is not performing academically well, the pressure is doubled. The same goes to schools that are already on top because they can’t take any chances and disappoint those who are expecting a lot from them.

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