Staff Report
Gov. Greg Abbott issued declarations this week regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the reopening of Texas public schools and the resumption of standardized testing.
On Monday, Abbott extended the early voting period by nearly a week, beginning Oct. 13.
Additionally, he said mail-in ballots that arrive as late as Election Day will be counted.
In a separate announcement, Abbott said that he is waiving the grade promotion requirement of STAAR testing for the 2020-2021 school year, which is typically required of students in grades 3 through 8.
A STAAR test will be administered in May 2021 “to coincide with the administration of other STAAR grades 3-8 assessments,” Abbott said.
“As always, our goal is to provide a high-quality education for every student,” Abbott said. “This will be a uniquely challenging school year, therefore, this year is all about providing students every opportunity to overcome the disruptions caused by the COVID-19.”
