AUSTIN, Texas — Some Central Texans want to see an end to the Texas' STAAR exam.
Teachers and students came together to the state capitol in Austin on Saturday to show what worries them most about the required test. Nearly 50 teachers showed up, as well as students and their parents.
"I'm trying to help support the kids who get held back over a test," said Calista Williams, who is a fourth grade student from McKinney, Texas.
Dozens of others, like Williams, voiced their concerns over the test they say has caused a lot of stress and headaches.
"It's just really stressful because you're all worked up about it, thinking it's going to be super hard," Williams explained.
Teachers at the rally spoke out against teaching the standardized test. They claim they are spending much of the classroom time on it.
Additionally, the teachers said they are being forced to teach all students the exact same way, knowing children learn differently.
"I honestly feel sad for my teachers," said Jaden Williams, Calista's older brother.
Jaden said pressure from the test can cause a mental breakdown.
"The teachers place a lot more pressure on us by saying that this test determines if they get to keep their job or not," Jaden explained.
The protest was a learning lesson outside of the classroom for both Calista and Jaden, as they hope to not have to deal with taking this test ever again.
"They have so many other tests, that I don't think you need the STAAR test," Calista said.
Calista told KVUE her test anxiety kicks in weeks before having to take the STAAR exam.
A petition has been started by parents hoping the STAAR test is eliminated.
CLICK HERE for a link to the petition.