State Board of Education Updates Standards and Instructional Materials Review Schedule

Changes made in response to extended review and revision period for recently revised science TEKS

AUSTIN, Texas – May 3, 2021 – To account for the additional time needed for the review and revision of the recently updated science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, the State Board of Education (SBOE) today announced updates to the TEKS review and revision schedule. Approved at the Board’s April meeting, the updated schedule moves up the review and revision of the social studies TEKS to the 2021-22 school year and pushes back the review and revision of the mathematics TEKS to the 2022-23 school year. 

The instructional materials adoption cycle was also revised in response to the changes. 

In other instructional materials-related action, the Board decided against issuing Proclamation 2023, which would have called for materials in kindergarten through Grade 12 science and certain career and technical education (CTE) courses to be reviewed. By not issuing the proclamation, it provides school districts and charter schools with flexibility in the use of their Technology and Instructional Materials Allotments (TIMA) which includes addressing technology needs in fiscal year 2024.

In response to significant public testimony, the Board moved toward revising the Dyslexia Handbook. During the testimony period, stakeholders indicated that aspects of the student identification process outlined in the handbook are confusing. Furthermore, the Board received initial feedback regarding the scope of the required dyslexia screener for students in kindergarten and first grade. 

The Board is expected to address these two items at its June 2021 meeting.

Lastly, the Board approved hiring Neuberger Berman Alternative Advisors to manage a Private Equity Emerging Manager (PEEM) program for the Permanent School Fund (PSF) of up to $300 million. The Board also approved hiring GCM Grosvenor to manage a private Real Estate Emerging Manager (REEM) program of up to $150 million. These agreements will fill the new 1 percent allocation of the PSF with the primary investment objective of generating additional value for the Permanent School Fund.

Additional Links

The updated schedule is available on the TEA website: https://bit.ly/3vD8kJb

The updated instructional materials adoption cycle is available on the TEA website: https://bit.ly/3nFSriw

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