Commissioner of Education Michael Williams has notified Texas school districts and charters of significant changes to the Student Assessment testing calendar for the 2015-2016 school year. The changes will specifically impact testing dates for most of the 2016 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) grades 3–8 assessments.
Beginning in 2016, the administration dates for STAAR grades 3, 4, 6, and 7 mathematics and reading, grades 5 and 8 science, and grade 8 social studies assessments will be scheduled for May 9 through May 13.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) originally posted a draft of the 2015–2016 testing calendar in fall 2014. At that time, public comments were requested. As a result of the comments received by TEA, a revised calendar with additional changes was then posted for public comment in February 2015.
Commissioner Williams used the input received during these public comment periods in basing his decision to adjust the 2015-2016 testing calendar.
Commissioner Williams also noted that the later testing dates in 2016 will alter report dates for student assessment results. Districts and charters will receive reports for the 2016 May STAAR grades 5 and 8 mathematics and reading assessments by May 31. Reports for all other 2016 STAAR 3–8 testing will be provided by June 15.
The changes affect the Student Assessment testing dates for 2015-2016. Testing dates for the current 2014-2015 school year will not be affected.