Texas Legislature Passes Sweeping Education Reform Package

“Texas continues to take giant strides in education, putting students and families first. This sweeping legislation takes significant action to support early literacy and math instruction, strengthen the teaching profession and expand high-quality public school options—key areas that directly impact student achievement. 

“This bill builds on proven strategies, including rewarding excellent teachers, expanding professional training, supporting early learners and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. With these comprehensive policy solutions, Texas is laying the foundation for long-term success for students across the state. 

“Thank you to Chair Brad Buckley, Vice Chair Diego Bernal, Speaker Dustin Burrows, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Chair Brandon Creighton, Rep. Harold Dutton, Sen. Angela Paxton, Sen. Royce West, and lawmakers in both chambers for their leadership and commitment to Texas families and educators.” 

About the Legislation 

This comprehensive education package represents a major investment in Texas students, teachers and schools. Key components include: 

Early Literacy and Math Support: 

• Requiring universal K–3 literacy and math screening three times a year to monitor student progress and identify struggling students early. 

• Mandating evidence-based literacy interventions for K–3 students at risk of falling behind in reading. 

• Creating professional development academies to provide specialized training for K–8 math and reading interventionists. 

• Providing grants for literacy tutoring to support struggling readers. 

Teacher Support and Development: 

• Expanding the successful Teacher Incentive Allotment program, which currently allows more than 25,000 teachers to earn more than $100,000 a year based on effectiveness. 

• Expanding Grow Your Own pathways into the teaching profession, providing professional development for high school students and school staff who do not yet hold a teaching certificate. 

• Creating incentives for completing evidence-based literacy training, including paid pre-service training and mentorship for aspiring teachers before they enter the classroom. 

• Offering teachers free pre-k for their 3- and 4-year-old children in the districts where they are employed. 

School Choice and Charter School Expansion: 

• Increasing facility funding for public charter schools to support the growth of high-quality public school options for families. 

Together, these reforms represent a comprehensive, student-centered approach to supporting teachers, improving classroom instruction and expanding access to high-quality public school options across Texas. 

The legislation now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for signature.