78R4138 SLO-D

By:  Howard                                                       H.B. No. 1915



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the reading curriculum used in public schools and to 
reading textbooks for public school students.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.   Section 28.002, Education Code, is amended by 
adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
	(b-1)  The essential knowledge and skills of English 
language arts must include reading.  The reading curriculum, based 
on scientifically based reading research, must be grade specific 
and increase in depth and complexity from one school year to the 
next, focus on core knowledge, and include essential components of 
reading instruction and instruction to promote reading.  In this 
subsection, "essential components of reading instruction," 
"reading," and "scientifically based reading research" have the 
meanings assigned by Section 1208, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 
(20 U.S.C. Section 6368), and its subsequent amendments.
	SECTION 2.  Section 31.023, Education Code, is amended by 
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to read as 
follows:
	(a)  For each subject and grade level, the State Board of 
Education shall adopt two lists of textbooks.  The conforming list 
includes each textbook submitted for the subject and grade level 
that meets applicable physical specifications adopted by the State 
Board of Education, [and] contains material covering each element 
of the essential knowledge and skills of the subject and grade level 
as determined by the State Board of Education under Section 28.002 
presented in an educationally effective manner as proven by 
scientifically based research, and is adopted under Section 31.024.  
The nonconforming list includes each textbook submitted for the 
subject and grade level that:
		(1)  meets applicable physical specifications adopted 
by the State Board of Education;
		(2)  contains material covering at least half, but not 
all, of the elements of the essential knowledge and skills of the 
subject and grade level presented in an educationally effective 
manner as proven by scientifically based research; and
		(3)  is adopted under Section 31.024.                                         
	(a-1)  In addition to the requirements of Subsection (a), to 
be placed on the conforming or nonconforming list, a reading 
textbook must include essential components of reading instruction 
and instruction to promote reading, as defined by Section 1208, No 
Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. Section 6368), and its 
subsequent amendments, and reflect an increase in depth and 
complexity from one school year to the next.
	SECTION 3.  Notwithstanding the textbook review and adoption 
requirements under Section 31.022, Education Code, or the textbook 
review and adoption cycle the State Board of Education adopts under 
that section, the board shall review and adopt reading textbooks 
that satisfy requirements under Section 31.023, Education Code, as 
amended by this Act, as soon as practicable.
	SECTION 4.  Sections 1 and 2 of this Act apply beginning with 
the 2003-2004 school year.
	SECTION 5.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.