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How Texas is implementing the research findings in the National Research Council Report, "Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children."
The Texas Reading Initiative began in 1996 with the announcement by Governor George W. Bush of his goal to have all Texas children reading at grade level or higher by the end of 3rd grade. The Initiative has focused on providing information and resources to Texas schools, parents and communities. The booklets, Beginning Reading Instruction: Components and Features of a Research-Based Reading Program, and Beginning Reading Instruction: Practical Ideas for Parents, and the brochure, Good Practice: Implications for Reading Instruction: A Consensus Document of Texas Literacy Professional Organizations, published and distributed by the Texas Education Agency in 1997, all closely align with the NRC Report. State and federal resources have been directed toward providing professional staff development materials and instructional materials which align with this information, as well as with the state?s curriculum framework, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Reading instruments designed to provide useful information to teachers on the needs and progress of their students in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grades, have been made available to schools. Additionally, attention is being focused on educator preparation and certification and early childhood programs.
Educators, students, school districts, institutions of higher education, businesses and communities have responded to the Governor?s goal. Since 1996, more students are passing the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) reading test at 3rd grade. Scores have risen from 80% passing in 1996 to 86% passing in 1998. School districts across Texas have started their own reading initiatives and have consistently increased student achievement in reading. One example is the Houston Independent School District which is in the 3rd year of its "A Balanced Approach to Reading Initiative." Businesses and community organizations from Capitol One Financial Corporation to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, as well as private foundations, such as the Meadows Foundation, have contributed to provide professional development and instructional materials to Texas schools.
Robin Gilchrist
Assistant Commissioner
Texas Education Agency
1701 N. Congress Ave.
Austin, TX 78701-1494
(512) 463-9027
(512) 463-8112 Fax
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