SBOE Gives Final Approval to the Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders
Board also approved proposed new K-8 Science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for first reading and filing authorization
Austin, TX – September 9, 2021 - The State Board of Education (SBOE) gave final approval for updates to the Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders (Dyslexia Handbook). The updates clarify requirements related to student evaluation and the required dyslexia screening for students in Kindergarten and Grade 1.
The board also approved the updated Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines (TPG) coverage percentage on materials submitted for the TPG update review. Publishers supplied new content and/or new correlations to demonstrate alignment to TPG not addressed during the initial review. The products submitted with TPG updates were reviewed in the summer of 2021.
Further, the board approved the proposed new Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Science Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for first reading and filing authorization. The proposed new sections would update the standards to better align the content and ensure the standards remain current. At the November 2021 SBOE meeting, the board is expected to approve the proposed new K-8 Science TEKS for second reading and final adoption.
SBOE members happily welcomed a pre-recorded student performance by the choral department from Midway High School (MHS) of Midway Independent School District in SBOE District 14. Midway ISD has long been known for excellence in choral music with consistent University Interscholastic League Sweepstakes Award wins as well as members in the Texas Music Educators Association all-region and all-state choir. The choral department performs under the direction of the Director of Choirs, Mr. Jeff Rice, and Mrs. Jannifer Rice, Associate Choral Director.
The board discussed House Bill (HB) 690, which passed during the 87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2021. The bill requires a State Board of Education (SBOE) trustee to complete training on school safety. The discussion provided the board an opportunity to review and provide feedback on an outline of the school safety training curriculum proposed by the Texas School Safety Center. The SBOE, in coordination with the Texas School Safety Center, will develop the curriculum and materials for the training. To meet the January 1, 2022, statutory deadline, the training curriculum, and materials will be submitted to the SBOE for review and final approval at the November 2021 meeting.
Lastly, the board discussed the Articles of Incorporation for the Permanent School Fund (PSF) Corporation and Senate Bill (SB) 1232, which also passed during the 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021. The bill allows the SBOE to create the Texas PSF Corporation (Corporation) and delegate its authority to manage the PSF to the Corporation. The Board is expected to address this item further at its November 2021 meeting.
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