Texas House Bill HB2162

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/10/23
• Out of House Committee: 4/25/23
• Voted on by House: 5/3/23

Caption

Relating to reading instruction, assessment instruments, and interventions provided to public school students.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2162 would lead to considerable changes in state educational policy, particularly in how reading instruction is delivered and assessed. The law would require strict adherence to best practices in literacy education, such as banning the three-cueing method of reading instruction, which is considered less effective for foundational literacy. Schools would be obligated to provide targeted reading interventions for students identified as needing additional support, based on results from multiple reading assessments administered throughout the academic year.

Summary

House Bill 2162, titled the Texas Literacy Act, focuses on enhancing reading instruction and assessment for public school students, particularly in grades K-3. The bill mandates high-quality literacy assessments and aims to implement evidence-based interventions to improve reading outcomes for students. It reflects a broader recognition of the need for proactive measures to ensure students achieve grade-level reading proficiency, particularly as observations from previous sessions indicated a significant number of students were struggling in this area.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2162 is largely favorable among educational advocates who argue that a structured approach to literacy can significantly improve student outcomes. Supporters argue that the bill is crucial for addressing the academic disparities seen in early grades. However, there are concerns raised by some educators regarding the implementation of the prescribed assessments and interventions, which may add pressure to already strained educational resources. Therefore, while many see it as a step forward in educational reform, critics worry about practical challenges in execution.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked debate regarding the removal of certain teaching methodologies and the potential for increased state oversight over local educational practices. Critics argue that strict guidelines on reading instruction methods could limit educators’ flexibility and adaptability in teaching, which could be detrimental in diverse classroom settings. Overall, the passage of the Texas Literacy Act could redefine early literacy education in Texas, centralizing assessment and intervention strategies to promote better reading outcomes.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 21. Educators
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 0062
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 0062

• Chapter 29. Educational Programs
  • Section: 1543
  • Section: 1543
  • Section: 1543