Tracking Texas’ Journey to Adopt the Science of Reading

Texas Lawmakers Pass Measure to Improve Reading Outcomes

In a recent development, Texas lawmakers have passed a measure, HB 1605, at the end of their regular 2023 session aimed at enhancing reading outcomes in the state. This measure includes various elements, such as creating a process and incentives for districts to purchase high-quality instructional materials approved by the State Board of Education. One significant aspect of HB 1605 is the ban on the use of three-cueing, an ineffective instructional practice commonly used in balanced literacy.

Research indicates that early readers benefit from learning how letters and sounds work together to create words, rather than relying on visual and meaning cues to guess a word. With the implementation of HB 1605, three-cueing is no longer permitted in classrooms or taught in teacher preparation programs, marking a step towards improving reading outcomes.

While Texas has been making efforts to improve reading rates for decades, including initiatives like the Texas Reading Initiative in 1996 and the creation of “Reading Academies” in 2019, there is still room for improvement. A proposed legislation by Rep. Harold Dutton to require teaching reading based on the science of reading did not pass during the session, but elements of it, such as the ban on three-cueing, made it into HB 1605.

Looking ahead to the 2025 session, Texas legislators have the opportunity to create a comprehensive policy that ensures all students receive research-based instruction and eliminates ineffective strategies like balanced literacy from classrooms. Success in improving reading outcomes requires more than just passing laws; it involves ongoing commitment and implementation of evidence-based practices.

Lessons from states like Mississippi and Colorado, which have successfully improved reading instruction by focusing on research-based principles, providing support for educators, and engaging parents and community leaders, can serve as a guide for Texas. By prioritizing the science of reading and creating a culture of accountability and support, Texas can make a significant impact on its young learners and set them up for success in the future.

The road to improving reading outcomes may be challenging and require persistence, but the potential benefits for the 6 million students enrolled in Texas public schools are immense. By prioritizing effective reading instruction, Texas can empower its students to learn and thrive, ultimately shaping a brighter future for the state.