Discussion of Required Vocabulary and Literary Works Recommendations

September 1, 2023

COMMITTEE OF THE FULL BOARD: ACTION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: ACTION

SUMMARY: This item provides the opportunity for the board to request recommendations from the agency regarding the list of required vocabulary and at least one literary work to be taught in each grade level as required by House Bill (HB) 1605, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.002(c-4) and (c-5) as added by HB 1605, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.

TEC, §28.002(c-4) as added by HB 1605, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session requires the State Board of Education (SBOE), in adopting essential knowledge and skills for English language arts, to specify a list of required vocabulary and at least one literary work to be taught in each grade level.

TEC, §28.002(c-5) as added by HB 1605, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session requires the SBOE to initiate the process of specifying an initial list of vocabulary and literary works not later than February 1, 2024. The SBOE is also required to request from the Texas Education Agency recommendations regarding the list. The request for recommendations may be considered an initiation of the process.

The full text of statutory citations can be found in the statutory authority section of this agenda.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND JUSTIFICATION: HB 1605, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, requires the SBOE to specify a list of required vocabulary and at least one literary work to be taught in each grade level. The SBOE is required to initiate the process of specifying an initial list of vocabulary and literary works no later than February 1, 2024, by requesting recommendations from the agency.

MOTION TO BE CONSIDERED: The State Board of Education:

Request that the agency provide recommendations regarding the list of required vocabulary and at least one literary work to be taught in each grade level as required by HB 1605, 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session.

Staff Member Responsible:
Todd Davis, Interim Associate Commissioner, Instructional Strategy