Abbott wants an alternative means to gauge student progress and school accountability, not necessarily an end to standardized testing in Texas. For many critics, STAAR tests are a focus of resentment when low test scores in a single school are used to punish whole school districts.

Democrats criticized Gov. Greg Abbott for seeking a redistricting, favored by President Trump’s political team, just days after devastating floods in Texas.

Legislation that provides a revised congressional redistricting plan in light of constitutional concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice."