The STAAR Test Standoff: Texas Schools Challenge the Legality and Reliability of the State's Grading System

In Texas, the release of public school ratings under the A-F academic accountability system has been halted for the second year in a row, this time due to a lawsuit by a group of school districts. These districts challenge the validity of the system that largely depends on STAAR scores. A Travis County judge granted a temporary restraining order on Monday, halting the release of new ratings. The lawsuit raises concerns about the recent shift to AI grading for STAAR essay questions. Critics claim that the new system was implemented without ensuring its validity and reliability. As the TEA reassesses its options, a hearing is set for August 26. The A-F system was introduced in 2017 to provide families with a clear understanding of school performance. The ratings greatly influence community perceptions and parental decisions regarding school enrollment. The system evaluates districts based on student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps, allocating 70% of the grade to student achievement or school progress and the remaining 30% to closing the gaps. The latest lawsuit challenges the STAAR test's validity and reliability, specifically pointing to computer scoring issues. School districts argue that the commissioner cannot assign A-F ratings under these conditions. The lawsuit seeks to invalidate the STAAR test and its related metrics. Education Commissioner Mike Morath, however, insists that the grading methodology is fair and accurate, stating that the automated grading system is as reliable as human scorers. In 2021, another lawsuit was filed over proposed changes to the formulas used to grade schools on college, career, and military readiness (CCMR). Districts argued that the opaque and rushed changes, such as raising the CCMR standard from 60% to 88%, would result in lower grades despite improved student achievement.