Texas Reading Academies Implementation Updates

School districts and open-enrollment charter schools must ensure that not later than the 2022-2023 school year, each classroom teacher in kindergarten or first, second, or third grade and each principal at a campus with kindergarten or first, second, or third grade has attended a reading academy, per Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0062(a)(2)(A). 

Texas Reading Academies are intentionally designed to provide choice in implementation to meet local needs and priorities. Upcoming adjustments will make Texas Reading Academies more flexible, more efficient, and more effective to further support Year 3 implementation. The following adjustments will be implemented in Year 3:

• Districts may allow certain teachers to attempt to demonstrate knowledge without completing modules first.
• Teachers who passed the STR exam will not have to complete all reading academies module content.
• Participants with extenuating circumstances will continue to have additional time to complete academies.
• Content will be streamlined to ensure actual seat time accurately reflects projected seat time
• Cohort leaders will no longer be required to grade artifacts.
• Districts will be able to verify reading academies completion on the TEA website.
• Authorized Providers will have more resources and recommendations for supporting the strong local implementation planning with districts.

Join one of the following webinars to learn about updates and adjustments to the Texas Reading Academies for Year 3:

Watch webinar from Wednesday, April 6, 2022 – 10:30am

Register for webinar on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 – 1:30pm

Register for webinar on Thursday, April 14, 2022 – 10:00am

The webinars will share best practices in implementation including the following:

• Embedding Reading Academies into the master PD calendar
• Planning for substitute teachers to cover classrooms so that teachers can complete Reading Academies during class time
• Providing teachers with stipends to compensate for their time

Please note: The same information will be shared in all three webinars.

For general information about the Texas Reading Academies, including frequently asked questions, visit the HB 3 Reading Academies page. If you have additional questions related to the reading academies, please submit them to the Support Portal for assistance.