House Bill 3 (HB3) K-2 Diagnostic Update: Commissioner-Approved Diagnostic Tools for Grades 1-2

TEA seeks diagnostic tools for inclusion on the commissioner-approved list for grades 1-2. This correspondence serves as a notice of the launch of a competitive authorization process through which eligible entities can apply for inclusion on the list. 

Overview of Changes 
House Bill (HB) 3 was passed by the 86th Texas Legislature, 2019, and signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 11, 2019. HB 3 requires the commissioner to ensure a kindergarten through grade 2 reading instrument is made available to districts at no cost. Additionally, TEC 28.006 (b) requires the commissioner to adopt a list of reading instruments that school districts may use to diagnose student reading development and comprehension. On November 21, 2019, the Texas Education Agency (TEA or agency) released an HB 3 in 30 K-2 Diagnostics video, along with a PowerPoint document and related materials.  
 
HB 3 Grade 1 and 2 Diagnostics Update 
Today, the agency announces that a competitive authorization process is now available to determine the commissioner-approved diagnostic tools for grades 1-2. Eligible entities may visit the Early Childhood Education web page to access the application and submit a Notice of Intent to Apply. Prospective applicants should reference the Grades 1 and 2 rubrics to ensure they meet the criteria and application requirements. 
 
Questions 
If you have any questions related to this letter regarding K-2 diagnostics under HB 3, please contact the Division of Early Childhood by email at earlychildhoodeducation@tea.texas.gov  or email HB3info@tea.texas.gov. We will be compiling answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the https://tea.texas.gov/hb3 webpage as well as TEA’s Early Childhood Education webpage. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Jacquie Porter, 
State Director of Early Childhood Education