November 19, 2025 Committee of the Full Board Item 6

Discussion of Literary Works Lists for Kindergarten-Grade 12 Reading Language Arts

November 19, 2025

COMMITTEE OF THE FULL BOARD: DISCUSSION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: NO ACTION

SUMMARY: This item provides the opportunity for the committee to discuss the process being used for selecting recommendations from the agency for literary works to be taught in each grade level as required by House Bill 1605, 88th Texas Legislature, 2023.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.002(c-4).

TEC, §28.002(c-4), requires the State Board of Education, in adopting essential knowledge and skills for English language arts under Subsection (a)(1)(A), to specify a list of required vocabulary and at least one literary work to be taught in each grade level. 

The full text of statutory citations can be found in the links above.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND JUSTIFICATION: The 88th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2023, passed House Bill (HB) 1605 relating to instructional material and technology. HB 1605 added section 28.002(c-4), which requires the State Board of Education, 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. This is a preliminary discussion. An action item will be presented to the board at a future meeting. 

Staff Member Responsible:
Shannon Trejo, Deputy Commissioner, Office of School Programs