House Bill 3 (HB 3) Implementation: Reading Practices

House Bill (HB) 3 was passed by the 86th Texas Legislature, 2019, and signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 11, 2019. The following areas within HB 3 specifically relate to reading practices: 

• The Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam (TEC Sec. 21048 (a-2))
• Reading Standards for Kindergarten Through Third Grade (TEC Sec. 28.0062(a))
  • Literacy Academies
  • Certified Practices 
    • Phonics curriculum 
    • Placement of highly effective teachers 
    • Integrated reading instruments  
  • Reading Advisory Board

Today, the agency released a HB 3 in 30 Reading Practices webinar focusing on the bullets above, along with a PowerPoint and related materials. Visit tea.texas.gov/hb3 to watch the Reading Practices webinar. 

Overview of Changes to Reading Practices

HB 3 amends statue to include multiple reading initiatives to include requirements that LEAs adopt K-3 phonics curriculum that uses systematic direct instruction, incorporate the use of integrated reading instruments, and prioritize the placement of highly effective teachers in K-2. 

A key new requirement in HB 3 is that LEAs are responsible to ensure that all K-3 teachers and principals in Texas will need to have completed the Reading Academies by the 2021-2022 school year. This will likely require notable adjustments in professional development planning (including the timeline of in-service days to minimize the need for substitute teachers) and expenditures starting with the 2020-2021 school year.  A more detailed discussion is found in the HB 3 in 30 video found at tea.texas.gov/hb3. 
There is also a requirement for TEA to provide technical assistance, establish a reading standards advisory board, and monitor implementation to report to the legislature. Additionally, the Science of Teaching Reading exam will be required, starting January 1, 2021, for teachers seeking new certifications to teach prekindergarten through 6th grade. 

Resources to support HB 3 Reading Practices

• HB 3 in 30 video and PowerPoint 
• HB 3 Reading Practices FAQ

Questions

If you have any questions related to the TAA on reading practices under HB 3, please contact the Division of Early Childhood at earlychildhoodeducation@tea.texas.gov or HB3info@tea.texas.gov.  We will be compiling answers to frequently asked question (FAQs) on the HB3 website and on the Early Childhood Education webpage, https://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Early_Childhood_Education.

Sincerely,
Jacquie Porter
Statewide Director of Early Childhood Education