Houston teacher reacts to TEA announcement regarding STAAR test Houston teacher reacts to TEA announcement regarding STAAR test A Houston teacher shares their thoughts following the announcement from the Texas Education Agency saying the STAAR test would continue. HOUSTON - The Texas Education Agency announced the STAAR test will continue this school year despite efforts by dozens of state lawmakers to cancel the exam due to the pandemic. “It simply is heartless. If one walks in the shoes of the teachers in public schools, that see the pain and anguish and the frustration, and we are doing everything we can,” said Daniel Santos Navarro Middle School teacher at HISD.