AUSTIN (January 29, 2013)--The Texas Education Agency announced Tuesday that the passing rates on the STAAR exam for grades 3-8 have topped 70 percent.
The new standardized statewide test was given to students in those grades for the first time last year.
Education Commissioner Michael Williams said he was encouraged by the results.
Eighth grade students scored some the highest.
Eighty percent passed the reading exam, 76 percent passed mathematics and 70 percent passed science.
The STAAR exams replaced the TAKS test amid widespread complaints from parents and teachers.
The STAAR test was supposed to count toward 15 percent of a student's end-of-course grade, but the Legislature has suspended the requirement.
Students still take the exams, which are considered more stringent.
Lawmakers have promised to revamp standardized testing in this year's legislative session.
