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Board weighs joining second lawsuit challenging STAAR/STAR 2.0 accountability changes
Summary
Dr. Malone briefed trustees on two lawsuits: a 2023 procedural challenge (appeal pending) and a new 2024 suit focused on STAAR 2.0 validity and AI scoring; trustees discussed costs (under $10,000), potential outcomes, and next steps.
Dr. Malone outlined two legal matters affecting district accountability: the 2023 procedural suit (Hutto ISD is a party and the case is under appeal) and a newer 2024 lawsuit that raises substantive questions about STAAR 2.0 test validity and use of AI in scoring.
"The lawsuit addresses the following issues: changes in the way the new STAAR test is being administered by replacing human graders with artificial intelligence, questions concerning STAAR result validity due to the new AI scoring, and the STAR 2.0 was never deemed as valid and reliable by a 3rd party institution as required," Dr. Malone said, summarizing the second suit's claims. He noted temporary restraining orders and injunctions have, to date, prevented release of some accountability ratings.
Trustees asked about financial exposure; Dr. Malone said participation costs are under $10,000 per district and can decrease as more districts join. Board members discussed the strategic reasons districts join lawsuits (solidarity, speed relative to legislation) and asked staff to come back with recommended objectives and anticipated outcomes before the next meeting. The board will consider possible withdrawal from the first suit or joining the second at the next regular meeting.
