Education is a process of knowledge transfer that helps students realize their potential for future life and work. Unfortunately, the education system can have faults, chief among which are cuts to programs. In Texas, for example, spending cuts have resulted in an understaffed campus. Consequently, campus leaders must preserve the educational process for students and carefully steer them away from internal malfunctions.
Texas has a system in place through which student testing and assessment processes occur: the STAAR system. Testing is designed to verify faculty performance and compliance with state standards (Vornberg & Hickey, 2018). Campus leaders must responsibly approach this testing and focus their energies on keeping important programs: math, reading, science, and social studies. In addition, STAAR applies to high schools, so public school leaders need to understand the right kind of education. STAAR testing also provides opportunities for grade corrections, which can positively impact students’ self-education.
While funding for supplemental education programs is reduced, the core programs included in STAAR cannot be removed from the overall public school budget. With the reduction in overall funding, faculty needs to be engaged intelligently to maintain the quality of education in all programs (Vornberg & Hickey, 2018). Teachers are likely to receive a more significant workload, but the system will work if resources are allocated wisely. STAAR is a safe and straightforward educational assessment plan because it provides clear, simple guidelines.
School leaders need to be aware of the responsibility that comes with budget cuts. Students are likely to be negatively impacted by staff and instructional hour shortages, so efforts should be directed toward supporting self-study processes and maintaining a baseline from standard programs. It is best to use STAAR as a knowledge assessment, as the test provides a precise gradation of student performance and clearly shows their capabilities.
Reference
Vornberg, J. A. & Hickey, W. D. (2018). Texas public school organization and administration: 2018. Kendall Hunt Publishing.