I saw this article on Everything Lubbock and, as the parent of a high school student, read it immediately. I’m sure most Lubbock parents did the same, especially seeing that some of our students were affected.

When this glitch occurred, almost 1,000 Lubbock ISD students were online testing. Some experienced a delay that lasted anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. Good grief.

I, for one, am getting a little fed up with STAAR testing, especially for our high school students. And here’s why:

  • STRESS. Before STAAR, when kids (yes, high school students are still kids) used to take the TAKS, there were only four exit exams required for graduation. STAAR has 5 different subjects being tested up to three times each, equaling up to 15 tests, that might be required to pass. Seriously? Most adults have never taken that many exams in order to progress to the next stage of life. Why are this many exams being forced on our children?
  • MORE STRESS. If even one those exams are failed, it could possibly keep a kid from graduating. I remember having to take an exit exam at LCU last fall, and the requirement was passing three out of five exams in order to graduate. (This is college, mind you, not high school). I was stressed out to the max, worried that I might not graduate. If I, being a grown woman, was that stressed out, I can’t imagine how our high school students feel with this hanging over them.
  • ADD MORE STRESS. Top notch students with top notch grades applying to top notch colleges could be hurt by not passing a single standardized test because STAAR results can count for up to 15% of a student’s final grade. This could greatly affect college admission. Does the pressure ever end? Not yet.
  • BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE (STRESS)! STAAR tests are timed (TAKS was not). Remember, this latest glitch delayed some Lubbock students 15-90 minutes. Need I say more?

I could go on, but I think you get the point. What is STAAR testing really teaching our kids? That stress is a normal way of life? This should be some of the most fun and memorable times of our kids lives, not the most stressful.

In my opinion, the benefits of STAAR testing need to seriously be re-examined.

What are your thoughts? Let us know on our Facebook page.

Note: An earlier version of this story had the wrong number of STAAR tests. We apologize for the error.

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