House Bill 3906 (HB 3906) Transition to Electronic Assessment: Online Feasibility Study Launch

House Bill 3906 requires the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to investigate and develop a transition plan to administer all State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) tests electronically by 2022–2023. A fully electronic administration will level the playing field for students who need accommodations, expedite test results, reduce costs, and promote future innovations in assessments. A transition plan, due to the Legislature by December 2020, is subject to legislative approval prior to its implementation.

TEA is partnering with Texas A&M University Education Research Center (TAMU ERC), which studies major issues in education and conducts program evaluation, STEM education, and educator preparation. TEA and TAMU ERC will conduct a feasibility study, that will include a set of recommendations regarding the online transition as well as estimated costs for achieving full online readiness within the pre-determined timeline. 

The feasibility study will include: 

• A statewide needs assessment survey of all campuses and districts regarding their readiness to move toward online testing;
• Case studies of a set of representative Texas districts based on district size and demographics, geographic areas, and varying internet access;
• A review of the state’s previous experiences with online testing, risks to the transition, and potential mitigations; and
• An overview of recommendations for the transition, including estimated costs, policy changes, and an implementation timeline.

All campuses and districts will be receiving correspondence from TAMU ERC regarding the statewide needs assessment survey between March and April 2020. The survey window will be open for three weeks upon receipt and will require the collaboration of multiple leaders within each campus/district.

If you have any questions regarding the work or have any resources to share, please email student.assessment@tea.texas.gov or call 512-463.9536.

Texas Education Agency
Student Assessment Division