"We wanna see a true representation or reflection of what the kids have learned," said Tioga High School Principal Keith Kirkland.

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR test, is a state wide standardized test, measuring students ability to apply what they've learned, and see if it matches state curriculum.

But now, the test has a new format.

"I think the test honestly has eased some of the anxiety that students even have because I think they feel that it gives them a chance to truly express what they know without just picking a letter," Kirkland said.

The Texas Education Agency launched the STAAR redesign to better align with the classroom experience.

This new format focuses more on open ended questioning as opposed to multiple choice tests to better reflect what students learn in the classroom.

"The more we can get our students writing the more we can get our students expressing our thoughts, i think that's a win and i think the state of Texas recognizes that," said Kirkland.

Along with the new design, all students will now take the tests online.

This means, tests will also be graded online.

"it's actually gonna save the state of Texas $15 to $20 million," said Texas State House District 62 Representative Reggie Smith.

A new artificial intelligence like grading will be used, known as an automated scoring engine.

And if parents believe the score is inaccurate..

"They can ask for a rescore, they have to pay a fee of 50 dollars for that, however, if the score comes back higher the 50 dollars is waived," Smith said.

Kirkland acknowledges that although standardized tests don't define students or their abilities..

"To know that we have an avenue to show what our students have learned, is huge to me,"