Deviating from the typical paper tests used years previously, the state of Texas is redesigning the state assessments (STAAR) by moving them to an online format for the first time starting with English I and II on Tuesday.

“I assume because it is more efficient and because there is less paper waste,”  English teacher Elizabeth Evans said. “It was piloted last year in some school districts and they are mandating it this year.”

As other mandated tests are being moved digitally, it was only a matter of time before the STAAR tests were shifted to an online platform.

“The reality is even with SAT testing everything is going that direction,” Evans said. “Even AP testing is going online. So at this point that’s where the world is going so I supposed it just falls in line.”

Many students believe that an online STAAR format has increased benefits.

“One thing is that the STAAR moved online makes it more easily accessible and there is obviously less paper usage,” sophomore Ashvita Suresh Kumar said. “And the practice we’ve been doing for the online version, it’s been easier than the usual STAAR tests.”

For other students, unpredictable technology issues are a concern for them.

“My concern is about if your computer fails or you don’t have the best Internet connection you might have to take it over the summer,” sophomore Krish Pokle said. “When it comes to technology not working, there’s not much you can do when that happens.”

Teachers such as Evans believe the new redesign will facilitate better instruction as the new format is more similar to the way teachers teach.

“[The redesign] fosters more critical thinking, different ways of writing,” Evans said. “I think it’s a more authentic measure of reading comprehension just because of the way the tests are designed. I think it will drive instruction in positive ways and help writing instruction improve”