May 3, 2016 11:04 AM

New round of STAAR tests, new set of issues in play

Morath told superintendents they can drive to Austin if they want to review the scoring on some tests – an unprecedented offer in the middle of a testing cycle

Education Commissioner Mike Morath has declined to adjust the state accountability system in light of the multitude of problems around this year’s STAAR administration.

Problems with administration of state standardized tests were myriad last month: test booklets sent to wrong campuses, questions about scoring of writing samples and data lost in the online testing system.

Superintendents in the Houston area outlined those concerns in a letter dated April 8, asking Morath to consider dropping STAAR A test scores for accountability. STAAR A is the alternative test used for students who need special accommodations due to a learning disability.

By Kimberly Reeves