Texas Must Prioritize Teacher Support Over Controversial Reading Lists

Texas is facing a significant decline in reading performance, with eighth-grade reading scores dropping from 264 in 2013 to 252 in 2024. Instead of addressing this crisis with effective teaching strategies, state leaders are focusing on a divisive reading list that includes biblical texts, which detracts from the real issue of inadequate literacy instruction. Economically disadvantaged students and those with disabilities are particularly affected, with only 15% of economically disadvantaged fourth-graders achieving proficiency in reading. The state’s funding for education has decreased over the past decade, and the number of uncertified teachers has surged, highlighting the urgent need for investment in teacher training and support to genuinely improve literacy outcomes.

Key Details: • Eighth-grade reading scores in Texas dropped from 264 in 2013 to 252 in 2024. • 39% of students are now unable to understand basic texts, up from 24%. • Only 15% of economically disadvantaged fourth-graders are proficient in reading. • The number of uncertified teachers in Texas increased from 11,000 in 2018-19 to nearly 40,000 in 2023-24. • Texas needs to restore school funding and reduce reliance on uncertified teachers.