Texans take notice as STAAR trends on Twitter

If the line to get a McDonald's breakfast was longer than usual Tuesday, it was probably because of students claiming their free pre-test meals. State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, tests are being administered in Texas schools today until Friday, so the fast-food chain offered complimentary breakfasts for students and teachers on the first day of tests.  

Students & educators get FREE breakfast the morning of STAAR on March 28. Work hard, test hard! ✏️? Details: https://t.co/cwd9KSNnEW pic.twitter.com/Ly8oaqVrb5

— McDonald's Houston (@McD_Houston) March 21, 2017

On Tuesday, "#STAARtest" was trending on Twitter and Texans took notice. The tests are administered throughout the year for different subjects and grade levels.  

#STAARTest As a Texan it does me proud to see this trending. pic.twitter.com/QVDHgZ9rjx

— Enebong Ephraim (@EnebongEphraim) March 28, 2017

This week, standardized tests include fourth- and seventh-grade writing; reading and math for fifth- and eighth-grades, English I and any make-up tests for such subjects. Some schools, such as Quail Valley Elementary School in Missouri City and Warner Elementary School in Cypress, held pep rallies to motivate students for the tests.  

WillowRidge I.C.E. drum line bringing the spirit to QVE's STAAR pep-rally! @FortBendISD @whseagles #TEAMUP2BEATSTAAR #EAGLES pic.twitter.com/sAPADDZc3b

— Quail Valley ES (@QuailValleyES) March 27, 2017

 

Best school ever! Thanks to our large group team for coordinating our STAAR pep rally @WarnerCFISD @CyFairISD #STAARTest #wegotthis pic.twitter.com/MIPMr9Q3wU

— Jessica Howell (@Jessicakh820) March 27, 2017 But some on social media, including students and Austin Mayor Steve Adler's Communications Director Jason Stanford, were less than enthusiastic about the tests.  

Good luck on the #STAARTest, Texas kids! Remember that the scores basically replicate census data and can't measure classroom learning! ?

— Jason Stanford (@JasStanford) March 28, 2017

The Texas Education Agency delayed test results in 2016 due to online connectivity issues and inaccurate results. TEA fined testing vendor Educational Testing Service $5.7 million and directed the company to invest $15 million into its services, Community Impact Newspaper previously reported. Whatever their feelings on the tests, Twitter users did not hold back. See what others around the Greater Houston area said about this week's STAAR:  

YES...CPES students are going to shine on the STAAR Test Tomorrow!!! Already proud of their hard work and effort!!! pic.twitter.com/eRKDVn5e3I

— Canyon Pointe ES (@TISDCPES) March 28, 2017

These #STAARTest GIFs are cracking me up! https://t.co/OZ6TBrarLM

— Emily Akin (@EmilyAkinFOX26) March 28, 2017

Was Wondering why my little girl was scared of STAAR test found this. pic.twitter.com/Qeydi2iPn9

— Bad Hombre Victor (@Victor70015237) March 28, 2017

Good luck to everyone in the state of Texas taking their STAAR test today! You can achieve great things! Keep believing in yourself.

— L.Hackett (@Hackett_Tech) March 28, 2017

#STAARTest monitoring got me like pic.twitter.com/npUIeIbtoU

— Rebecca Vandagriff (@HistoricalVandy) March 28, 2017

The CGP gents worked hard over the weekend in our "STAAR CRASH COURSE." Send up a prayer for our students as they take the STAAR test today! pic.twitter.com/moXlOtlW7a

— Chauncy Glover (@ChauncyOnTV) March 28, 2017

❤my team @HumbleISD_RCE! We may teach 1stgrade but we sure support our 3-5th Ss & want them to SMASH THE #STAARTest TODAY! @HumbleISD #hulk pic.twitter.com/RZdv2yHPM4

— Mrs. Lumpkin (@LumpkinShanna) March 28, 2017

Y'all taking the STAAR Test probably too young to remember the TAKS Test. ??

— Bhris Breezy (@ThatsJustMC) March 28, 2017

And finally...  

The only thing I'll probably miss about the STAAR test are the memes after taking it

— Lucy (@dreameerrr_) March 28, 2017