Texas educators have had a lot of change thrown at them in recent years when it comes to testing and accountability. Now, another big shift might be on the horizon: the possible replacement of the STAAR test as we know it with TX HB4.
Below is a summary of what we know so far, to the best of my knowledge as of May 23, 2025.
- The version of HB 4 passed by the Texas House
- The Senate committee hearing held on May 22, 2025, where lawmakers discussed their version of the bill and gathered testimony
What TX HB 4 From the House Would Do (Passed May 13, 2025):
- Eliminates the STAAR test as the current end-of-year assessment
- Replaces it with a series of assessments (norm-referenced) given at the beginning, middle, and end of the year
- These new tests would be shorter and designed to monitor growth over time
- There would still be an end-of-year test, but it would be smaller in scope
- Aims to be more instructionally supportive, helping teachers make real-time decisions about student learning
- Accountability ratings (A–F) would still be required annually
Key Themes From the Senate Committee on Education Hearing (May 22, 2025):
The Senate has not yet released their official version of HB 4, but a committee hearing revealed:
- The Senate is proposing revisions to the House version, but they also support replacing STAAR with a new type of test
- The new assessment model would likely include three checkpoints (beginning, middle, end)
- Multiple senators and witnesses emphasized the need for these tests to be aligned to the TEKS and criterion-referenced (not just norm-referenced)
- There was discussion of a possible three-year transition timeline before full implementation
- Some testimony suggested a beta test of the new assessment could occur in 2025–2026, with full implementation by 2027–2028 — though this timeline isn’t set. *It’s an inference based on committee discussions, not an official rollout schedule.
- During the Senate Education Committee hearing, lawmakers clarified that social studies testing would remain in place. While the original version of House Bill 4 proposed eliminating the mandatory social studies assessment, the Senate version adds it back in. This change was made in direct response to concerns from educators and families about maintaining civic education and preserving the importance of American history within accountability.
What’s the Deal with a Three-Year Transition Timeline?
There was discussion in the Senate committee about a three-year timeline before full implementation of the new assessment system. This wasn’t a clearly defined rollout in the bill itself, but rather something inferred from how they plan to sync the new test with the scheduled A–F accountability system refresh.
Here’s what was said:
- The A–F system is due for a recalibration (or “refresh”) in Year 3 — likely the 2027–2028 school year.
- The Senate version of HB 4 suggests aligning the new assessment rollout with that refresh, so districts aren’t held accountable under outdated standards or during a chaotic mid-cycle shift.
- There was concern that rushing out a brand-new test before that point would be logistically and instructionally disruptive, especially if new performance standards weren’t finalized in time.
So, while the three-year window isn’t an official rollout schedule, it appears the intent is to use the next two years for pilot testing, development, and training, with full implementation and ratings starting in the 2027–2028 school year. Note: This isn’t officially outlined in the legislation — it’s simply my interpretation based on what was said during the Senate committee hearing. Nothing is finalized yet, and timelines could shift.
Side Note: What’s the Difference Between Norm-Referenced and Criterion-Referenced Tests?
- STAAR is a criterion-referenced test. That means it measures whether a student has mastered specific skills or standards (like the TEKS). It asks: “Did this student meet the grade-level expectations?”
- A test like MAP is a norm-referenced test. That means it compares a student’s performance to a national group of peers. It asks: “How did this student perform compared to other students across the country?”
- Criterion-referenced tests are more directly tied to what’s taught in Texas classrooms.
- Norm-referenced tests are great for measuring growth and national comparisons, but may not always align perfectly with state standards unless customized.
This difference is central to the debate around House Bill 4 and what kind of test might replace STAAR in the future.
What Might Be Different in the Senate Version:
Based on the hearing transcript, here are some possible differences the Senate may introduce:
- Accountability protections: Prohibiting the use of taxpayer money by school districts to sue the state over ratings
- Clearer rules for A–F ratings: The Commissioner would be required to issue ratings every year, with no option to pause them (“Not Rated” would no longer be allowed)
- Defined appeal process: Limits on when and how districts can challenge accountability outcomes
- Alignment with existing testing pilots: Reference to the TTAP pilot and how those findings may influence the design of the new system
What We Still Don’t Know:
- Will the final test be norm-referenced (like MAP) or criterion-referenced (like STAAR)? Or a hybrid?
- Yes — the TEKS are staying. What’s still uncertain is how closely the new assessment will align with them. Lawmakers mentioned the possibility of using a norm-referenced test (like MAP) that’s been adapted to reflect state standards, but it’s unclear if Texas will fully develop its own test, modify an existing one, or use a hybrid approach. Alignment to the TEKS is a key question still under discussion.
- What exact year the transition will begin?
- How the A–F accountability ratings will be calculated under the new system?
Final Thoughts
At this point, nothing is finalized. The Senate may pass their version with amendments, and then the House and Senate will need to reconcile the differences before anything becomes law.
While no official timeline has been announced, one thing became clear in the Senate hearing: a change this big can’t be rushed. Several lawmakers emphasized that building a strong, statewide assessment and accountability system takes time to get right. So while we don’t yet know exactly when or how the new system would roll out, thoughtful planning and a phased approach were recurring themes in the discussion.
If you’re a Texas educator, the best thing you can do right now is stay informed—without stressing.
As the legislative session continues, I’ll be watching every move so you don’t have to. I’ll keep updating you as more becomes clear.
Want to stay in the loop as this unfolds?
Join my email list and I’ll send you updates as soon as I learn more — no legal jargon, just plain-English info that helps you plan ahead with confidence. You’ve got enough on your plate — let me do the digging for you.
