Standardized testing in Texas schools is and has been the source of controversy.

 

But this year students will have a little relief thanks to a local lawmaker.

 

Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature passed a School Accountability law, which includes amendments by state Rep. Mike Villarreal.

 

Those amendments are meant to make sure students spend more days learning and less time taking tests.

 

The changes are something local educators are happy about.

 

"Any measure our legislators can take to give teachers back the instructional time they so desperately need is a movement in the right direction for educators in Texas," said Jennifer Carsten, a campus instructional coordinator.

 

The measures move schools away from relying on constant testing and focus more on identifying students who need extra help, then providing that help.