Darby Asks Gov. Abbott to Exempt Schools from Assessments

SAN ANGELO, TX – State Representative Drew Darby has requested Gov. Abbott exempt Texas public schools from standardized tests and assessments for the 2020-21 school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is Darby's social media post: "Yesterday, I sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott requesting that he seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education to exempt Texas from the 2020-2021 STAAR testing requirements. Additionally, I asked that he reevaluate or suspend the A-F accountability ratings for the 2020-2021 school year. As we continue to navigate COVID-19, neither of these will accurately assess the value of our public school systems. The last thing our educators and students should be focused on in this time of change are burdensome, standardized testing requirements."

Here is the text of Darby's letter to Gov. Abbott:

"Thank you for your leadership amidst the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The purpose of
my letter is to request that you seek the necessary waivers from the United States Department of Education (USDOE) that would exempt Texas from administering the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.

Only a few months ago, you saw fit to request a waiver from USDOE that exempted Texas from STAAR testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year, which was of tremendous benefit to our students and educators. As COVID-19 continues to surge across the state, I firmly believe that obtaining this waiver for the 2020-2021 school year is of the utmost importance    Given the amount of time our students have been out of the classroom, it is imperative that we allow teachers to deliver quality instruction without high-stakes testing concerns. The last thing our educators and students should be focused on in this time
.    of substantial change are burdensome, standardized testing requirements.

Finally, I would also ask that you consider reevaluating or suspending the A-F accountability system for the 2020-2021 school year. Inevitably, the accountability system is intertwined with STAAR examination scores, which will not provide an accurate assessment of our students, the quality of their education , nor our educators. As we ask our public schools to quickly modify instructional delivery, they should not also be hindered by testing requirements or accountability systems that will not reflect their true educational value. Removing these burdens will empower our teachers and students to deliver and receive high­ quality instruction and not onerous testing requirements.

Again, thank you for your leadership and consideration of my request. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out."