Katy ISD Board passes resolution calling for the repeal of state high-stakes testing

"All of our students test very well [on state-mandated tests]," Dibrell said. "We hear year after year how well our students do on these standardized tests, but we lose so much instructional time because we test every kid every year regardless of their scores the previous year."

The resolution also calls for state-funded local assessments in lieu of the high-stakes tests it hopes to repeal. If enacted, these local assessments would provide detailed diagnostics that could assist students in their learning, but they would not be considered high stakes or have any bearing on school board accountability ratings, said Bryan Michalsky, KISD board of trustees president.

"In the beginning, the whole accountability system was intended to be a diagnostic so that no child would graduate with deficiencies," Michalsky said at the meeting. "Somewhere along the way, [officials] attached an accountability rating and [the tests] got away from assessing and diagnosing to playing a game."

The resolution's passage is only the first step in getting legislation on the issue passed, said Joe Adams, KISD board of trustees member.

"We cannot just adopt this resolution and send it to Austin in the hope that someone would do something about it," Adams said during the meeting. "Each and everyone of us has to make calls, write letters and go to Austin and testify to the House Education Committee about this matter."