Statewide STAAR online testing outages affect 16 Leander ISD schools

Statewide outages to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness Online Testing Platform on April 6 affected fourth- and seventh-grade students who were testing at 16 Leander ISD schools, according to the district.

Three STAAR tests were affected by the connectivity issues, including fourth-grade writing, seventh-grade writing and English I, according to a Texas Education Agency release. April 6 was the first of five days students were eligible to take one of the three tests online.

"We understand the frustration this has caused students, parents, teachers and administrators," the TEA release said. "What happened today is completely unacceptable. ... All involved in public education in Texas should expect better than what they have experienced today; we are working to ensure that our students do not experience future testing issues."

The Leander school district said some students testing online were able to continue the online test. Students testing on paper were also able to continue.

Schools affected include:

• Akin Elementary
• Block House Creek Elementary
• Laura W. Bush Elementary
• Cox Elementary
• Cypress Elementary
• Deer Creek Elementary
• Faubion Elementary
• Grandview Hills Elementary
• Knowles Elementary
• Naumann Elementary
• Reed Elementary
• River Place Elementary
• Westside Elementary
• Winkley Elementary
• Four Points Middle
• Stiles Middle

"TEA is aware of the issue and will be providing guidance as to how students can proceed who have already begun testing as well as what actions should be taken by students who have not yet begun the test," LISD said.

Hannah Zedaker contributed to this report.