Lawmakers back delaying STAAR grade requirements

By: The Associated Press Email

Posted: Tue 2:35 PM, Feb 14, 2012

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Four Texas senators support postponing rules that new state standardized tests count toward 15 percent of high school students' grades.

A letter signed by Senate Education Committee chairwoman Florence Shapiro clarifies that Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott can delay requirements on counting the tests toward final grades if he chooses to.

The new test is known as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR.

Monday's letter says delaying the rule until next school year will allow officials more time to implement it. The requirement was designed to ensure students take the test seriously but has caused anxiety among parents and school administrators.

The letter was also signed by two of Shapiro's fellow Republicans and a Democrat.

Scott's office confirms he has received the letter, but hasn't commented.

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Lawmakers back delaying STAAR grade requirements

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