AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott is waiving all STAAR testing requirements for the current school year amid the coronavirus pandemic affecting Texas school districts in a statement on Monday.
Abbott is requesting suspension of federal testing requirements.
Many Coastal Bend school districts have already canceled classes or extended Spring Break out of abundance of caution amid coronavirus concerns.
"Governor Abbott is working closely with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ensure that schools continue to deliver instruction to students while students are absent or while schools are closed due to COVID-19," the statement said, in part. "This includes tailoring instruction for students with special needs so that they have access to the same education as other students in the district."
STAAR testing requirements have been waived for the 2019-2020 school year.
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) March 16, 2020
We will continue to empower schools to make the best decisions to protect their communities from COVID-19.https://t.co/Vt0b1zU7gY pic.twitter.com/kfGmv7hQww
