Thank you for subscribing to the TEA English language arts newsletter.

Today's newsletter provides information on the following topics:

2023-2027 Commissioner's List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has posted a new Commissioner’s List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments for use during the 2023–2024 through 2026–2027 school years in accordance with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.006(c-1).

In accordance with TEC, §28.006(c-1), each school district and open-enrollment charter school is required to administer at the beginning of Grade 7, a reading instrument adopted by the commissioner to each student whose performance on the Grade 6 STAAR Reading assessment did not demonstrate reading proficiency. Districts and charter schools must administer the reading instrument in accordance with the commissioner’s recommendations under TEC, §28.006(a)(1).

The Commissioner’s List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments ensures school districts and charter schools select instruments that are based on valid and reliable scientific research, thoroughly measure each domain of development, and are user friendly. The following three domains of development are assessed using the instruments on the list.

The instruments approved for use during the 2023–2024 through 2026–2027 school years are listed below. For additional information and frequently asked questions (FAQ), please visit the Grade 7 Reading Instruments page on the TEA website.

2023–2027 Commissioner’s List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments:

The Texas Middle School Fluency Assessment (TMSFA) option will continue to be available to school districts and open-enrollment charter schools free of charge.

Should you have questions, please contact the Reading Language Arts and Social Studies Team in the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division by completing a Curriculum Request Form

Special Populations and Monitoring: Request for Information (RFI) Regarding Reading Interventions and Dyslexia Instruction Posted

An RFI was posted on July 21, 2023, relating to reading interventions and dyslexia instruction. Responses are due to the Contracts and Purchasing Division by August 25, 2023, at 2:00 P.M., CT.

The intent of this RFI is to obtain information regarding the current landscape of existing:

reading interventions, curriculums, and platforms, and
dyslexia instruction, curriculums, and platforms.

TEA recognizes that information relative to this RFI may exist in a variety of formats and will accept responses in any format the respondent deems sufficient. No contracts will be awarded from this process and there is no guarantee that TEA will develop a solicitation for bids or proposals.

To review this RFI, please visit the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts website.

Celebrate Freedom Week

During the week of September 18 to 22. 2023, Texas schools honor Celebrate Freedom Week (TEC § 29.907) to highlight the values and ideals on which the United States was founded as well as the sacrifices that were made for freedom in the founding of the country. Students learn about the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. Students also examine the relationship between the ideas in these documents and subsequent American history.

Celebrate Freedom Week coincides with Constitution Week, established by the U.S. Congress to encourage all Americans to learn about the Constitution. Both Celebrate Freedom Week and Constitution Week focus on September 17, the date in 1787 when delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution. Congress has also designated September 17 of each year as Constitution Day.

The TEA Celebrate Freedom Week web page provides a variety of lessons, activities, and instructional materials for Celebrate Freedom Week and Constitution Day.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans who trace their heritage to Latin America or Spain. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.

The TEA Hispanic Heritage Month web page provides instructional materials, activities, and lessons that can be used to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

TEA's Curriculum Help Desk

In order to better serve our constituents, TEA’s Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division has recently launched its own request link on the TEA Help Desk. The new ticketing system will allow staff in the Curriculum Division to more quickly receive and respond to inquiries.

To submit an inquiry or a request for assistance to the Curriculum Division, go to the main TEA Help Desk and select the Curriculum tile. Use the Curriculum Request Form to submit your contact information and the details of your inquiry. Be sure to bookmark the Curriculum Division’s Help Desk link to submit your questions.

Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.

Reading Language Arts Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
curriculum@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-9581

English Language Arts Newsletter

2023-2027 Commissioner's List of Approved Grade 7 Reading Instruments

Special Populations and Monitoring: Request for Information (RFI) Regarding Reading Interventions and Dyslexia Instruction Posted

Celebrate Freedom Week

Hispanic Heritage Month

TEA's Curriculum Help Desk