AUSTIN, Texas – February 5, 2024 – The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) set the framework for a new process for adopting high-quality instructional materials for Texas students at its regularly scheduled meeting January 30 – February 2. 

Members adopted several items related to the implementation of House Bill (HB) 1605 (88R). The Board reviewed and gave final approval on the suitability rubric for the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) process under HB 1605. This rubric outlines the criteria to be used in the IMRA process to determine the suitability and appropriateness of instructional materials for a particular subject and grade level. IMRA Quality Rubrics received approval in the following subjects: English and Language Arts (ELA) for grades K-3 & 4-8, Second Language Acquisition (SLA) for grades K-3 & 4-6, as well as Math for grades K-12. The Board also established how instructional materials will be reviewed as part of IMRA – with final authority for approvals and criteria resting with the SBOE.  

The SBOE Committee on Instruction discussed an item related to the Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders. The Board approved two changes to the handbook to clarify requirements for dyslexia evaluation, identification, and instruction to better align with House Bill (HB) 3928. The committee intends to seek feedback from stakeholders across the state to help make further changes. HB 3928 requires the SBOE to revise the handbook and determine the qualifications and training requirements for when a student is evaluated for and later identified as having dyslexia.  

Recognition  

The Board recognized February as Career and Technical Education Month and celebrated students enrolled in career and technical education courses as they work to achieve academic and employability skills for career readiness.  

The Board also recognized the 26 Texas public schools that received 2023 National Blue Ribbon School honors. This incredible recognition showcases the great things happening in classrooms across Texas while affirming and validating the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in striving for – and attaining – exemplary achievement.  

Finally, the Board would also like to thank the Westbury High School jazz band and choir from Houston ISD for their wonderful performance during Friday’s session.  

The SBOE will reconvene April 9-12, 2024.