English Language Arts Newsletter

Thank you for subscribing to the TEA English language arts newsletter.

Today's newsletter provides information related to the following topics:

• Join us to Provide Feedback on the RLA Supplemental IMRA Quality Rubric
• July Reading Language Arts and Social Studies Stakeholder Engagement Sessions 

Join us to Provide Feedback on the RLA Supplemental IMRA Quality Rubric

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board of Education (SBOE) are seeking feedback on the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) draft quality rubric for Reading Language Arts (RLA) supplemental, which will be used to evaluate instructional materials beginning in the summer of 2026.

The IMRA quality rubric will support Texas districts in identifying high-quality instructional materials in RLA supplemental to ensure all students have access to rigorous content and instruction. Feedback from the field is critical in ensuring the rubric is high quality.

To view the proposed rubric, use the following link: draft RLA supplemental quality rubric.

Focus Groups

The schedule of focus group sessions is included below. Use the registration link to sign up for an RLA supplemental focus group. Please register for only one session that best aligns with your role. We encourage you to review the rubric before attending the session to provide the best input possible.

Parents and Community Members

• July 14, 2025 | 5:00–6:00 p.m.
• July 16, 2025 | 5:00–6:00 p.m.
• July 18, 2025 | 9:00–10:00 a.m.

Educators and Education Service Centers (ESCs)

• July 15, 2025 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
• July 21, 2025 | 3:00–4:30 p.m.
• July 22, 2025 | 9:00–10:30 a.m.

Instructional Materials Publishers

• July 16, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.
• July 17, 2025 | 2:00–3:30 p.m.
• July 22, 2025 | 4:00–5:30 p.m.

Public Comment

Feedback can also be submitted online through August 23, 2025 using the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) Quality Rubric Public Comment Form.

Subject Matter Expert Working Groups

TEA is also recruiting subject matter experts to refine the draft quality rubric for approval by the SBOE in September. Working groups will conduct mock reviews of sample instructional materials to identify areas of ambiguity or duplication, provide feedback on the usability of the rubrics, and provide input to inform the development of evidence guides, glossaries, and trainings to support reviewers in evaluating instructional materials.

Ideal candidates are Texas K–12 or postsecondary educators with expertise and experience in RLA.

Estimated weekly time commitment is 5-10 hours per week from July 14–25, 2025, and will include asynchronous work in addition to the following live virtual meetings:

• July 15, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
• July 17, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
• July 22, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
• July 24, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Working group participants will earn a stipend of $1,200.

Interested candidates should submit an application, including a resume, by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

July Reading Language Arts and Social Studies Stakeholder Engagement Sessions

Topic: K–5 Cross-Curricular Connections for Reading Language Arts and Social Studies

Target Audience: Reading Language Arts Stakeholders and Social Studies Stakeholders: Teachers, District Administrators, Campus Administrators, Education Service Center Specialists, Parents, Professional Organizations

Session Description: The TEA reading language arts and social studies team will share the K–5 Cross-Curricular Connections Tool for Social Studies and Reading Language Arts and Reading. The team will explain the different parts of this tool and share how this tool supports cross-curricular instructional planning. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to participate in questions and discussion with members of the TEA social studies and reading language arts team.

Dates, Times, and Registration Links:

Tuesday, July 15, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. (CT):  July 15 Registration Link

Wednesday, July 16, 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (CT):  July 16 Registration Link

Thursday, July 17, 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. (CT):  July 17 Registration Link

Each of the three sessions will contain the same content. Multiple sessions are provided to allow stakeholders multiple opportunities to attend. 

Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.

Reading Language Arts Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
(512) 463-9581

For questions or additional information, please visit the English language arts and reading webpage or submit a Curriculum Request Form through the TEA Help Desk.