English Language Arts Newsletter
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Today's newsletter provides information related to the following topics:
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December Stakeholder Engagement Sessions
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Topics: Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) RLA Update and TELPAS Transition Year
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Dates: December 9 and 10
- New ELPS Resources Available on the ELAR/Spanish Language Support Webpage
- Timely Topic: High School Courses in Middle School
- National Family Literacy Month: November 2025
Topic: Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) RLA Updates and TELPAS Transition Year
Target Audience:Reading Language Arts and English as a Second Language Stakeholders: Teachers, District Administrators, Campus Administrators, Education Service Center Specialists, Parents, Professional Organizations
Session Description:The December RLA Stakeholder Engagement Sessions will provide Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) RLA updates. The session will also provide a brief overview of the TELPAS transition year. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for questions and discussion on the session’s topics.
Dates, Times, and Registration Links:
Tuesday, December 9, @ 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT) December 9 Registration Link
Wednesday, December 10, @11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (CT) December 10 Registration Link
Each session will contain the same content. Multiple sessions are provided to allow stakeholders multiple opportunities to attend.
The new ELPS recently adopted by the State Board of Education are scheduled to be implemented in classrooms beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. TEA has developed resources to support the implementation of the new ELPS. Resources include ELPS engagement session presentations, a 10-minute overview video, and side-by-side tables providing a comparison of the ELPS student expectations by grade band (kindergarten–grade 3 and grades 4–12).
Local school systems must continue providing instruction in the current ELPS in 19 TAC, Chapter 74, §74.4, until they are replaced with the new ELPS in 2026–2027.
For more information about the new ELPS, please visit the English Language Arts and Reading | Texas Education Agency web page.
To support Texas reading language arts educators and stakeholders, our newsletter occasionally highlights a commonly asked question. This edition’s timely topic is below.
Question: Can a student in middle school be offered a high school course for credit?
Answer: Yes, per Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §74.26. Award of Credit “(b) Districts may offer courses designated for Grades 9–12 (refer to §74.11 of this title (relating to High School Graduation Requirements)) in earlier grade levels.
A course must be considered completed and credit must be awarded if the student has demonstrated achievement by meeting the standard requirements of the course, including demonstrated proficiency in the subject matter, regardless of the time the student has received instruction in the course or the grade level at which proficiency was attained.
The academic achievement record (transcript) shall reflect that students have satisfactorily completed courses at earlier grade levels than Grades 9–12 and have been awarded state graduation credits.”
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In 1994, Congress designated November 1 as National Family Literacy Day. Today, many Americans celebrate National Family Literacy Month throughout November to raise awareness of the important role families play in their children’s education.
Ways to celebrate National Family Literacy Month:
- Pull out your favorite childhood book(s) and read them to your children.
- Create a family reading schedule.
- Take a family trip to a local library.
- Create an in-home library with your child’s favorite books.
- Find books that have been made into movies. Read the book, then watch the movie as a family.
Strong family engagement is central to promoting children’s literacy and academic achievement in preschool, elementary school, and beyond. TEA has developed Parent Guides to help families understand some of the things their child will learn each school year in Prekindergarten 3, Prekindergarten 4, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade. Educators and parents can use these documents to spark conversations and increase families’ knowledge on how they can support their child at home.
To learn more about family resources related to early childhood education, visit the Family Resources | Texas Education Agency web page.
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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.
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