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The State Board of Education (SBOE) established nine priorities for the 2019 session of the Texas Legislature. Many of the priorities are tied to recommendations in the board's newly adopted Long-Range Plan for Public Education but the board also called for changes in the governance structure of the Permanent School Fund, an endowment that currently has investment decisions made by both the SBOE and the School Land Board.
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After more than a year of research and stakeholder engagement, the State Board of Education adopted a new Long-Range Plan for Education. The plan establishes goals through the year 2030, including providing more support to new teachers, supporting formula-funded, full-day prekindergarten, and creating a multi-tiered system of support for students. |
The State Board of Education gave final approval in November to streamlined social studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for kindergarten through 12th grade.
The board tried to strike a balance between requests from teachers who felt the TEKS included too many standards that needed to be reduced and those who felt it was important to retain noteworthy individuals in the curriculum standards.
The State Board of Education (SBOE) on Nov. 16 gave final approval to updates to The Dyslexia Handbook—2018 Update: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders (Dyslexia Handbook). The updates address recent legislative changes and clarify processes regarding identification and services for students, including students with dysgraphia. The updated Dyslexia Handbook is effective immediately. The board voted to dedicate the handbook to outgoing SBOE member Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, a long-time advocate for children with dyslexia and related disorders. |
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 Four hundred forty-two Texas public high school students submitted 521 unique designs in the Brand the Fund logo contest, sponsored by the State Board of Education.
The goal of the design contest was to create a logo for the Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF), a state treasure that traces its history back to 1845 when a new state constitution established a perpetual education fund.
The winner of the design contest will be announced Feb. 1.
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 Erika Beltran, David Bradley, and Geraldine "Tincy" Miller retire from SBOE.
Three State Board of Education members Erika Beltran of Fort Worth, David Bradley of Beaumont, and Geraldine "Tincy" Miller of Dallas are retiring from the board at the end of the year. Collectively, they have provided about 58 years of education leadership to Texas.
Elected in November to replace these veterans are Pam Little of Fairview, Aicha Davis of DeSoto, and Matt Robinson of Friendswood. The members-elect were in Austin on Dec. 4 for board member orientation.
 Pam Little, Aicha Davis, and Matt Robinson begin their State Board service on Jan. 1.
Because of strong investment returns earned by the Permanent School Fund, the State Board of Education (SBOE) voted to increase the funding provided for school operations, instructional materials and technology to $2.212 billion in the 2020-2021 biennium, an increase of $172 million over its preliminary spending rate decision. This figure includes $55 million that the School Land Board agreed to send to the SBOE.
A summary of action taken at the Nov. 16 State Board of Education meeting is now available on the Texas Education Agency website.
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