Update on the List (DRAFT)

DRAFT (Need to double check a few things.)That list I've been telling you about: The SBOE listened! We have more to do - but the first reading has been postponed to April 2026. I'm shocked. I really thought we had no chance. But our representatives listened to our concerns.  

There was a motion to delay the first reading and filing authorization to give more time for public input and internal review. (TEA staff was asked about their research to make the list. Basically, they said they looked at websites from organizations that make book recommendations and plucked out the books that showed up on multiple lists. Y'all. That ain't the kind of research I'd expect from the great state of Texas.) 

The motion passed with support from BOTH political sides. Member Will Hickman (District 6) made the motion. Julie Hall (District 8) was the only naysayer. 

Basically, the board realizes they'd like to address the flood of feedback from the public as well as concerns their peers brought up about specific texts. They felt the process was rushed, giving them inadequate time to really consider what was on the list. 

This means that the first reading will be in April of 2026. The public comment period is from May to June of 2026. Final Adoption and Second reading will be in June or September of 2026 with classroom implementation in 2030. 

So the list has NOT be read into the TAC. It's still a discussion item and not a formal rule proposal. 

I'm concerned about a few things: 

1. Staff said there were many teachers who received the survey. We just had 5700 fill it out. I question that. HOW did teachers get the survey? From the listserv? To their house? To their email? Was the message blocked? I have questions. (I'm pretty sure NO teachers directly received the list from TEA.)

2. Staff said there were SS teachers that helped with the list. No - they worked on their own committees. There were NO teachers on the SS committee. NO SS teachers have reviewed or worked on the required reading list. 

3. WHERE did that list come from really? Is this from the Commissioner's list in 2008? 

4. We need to see the amendment from Hickman (?) and ask where that stuff came from. Not sure it was teachers.

Now - We get to work. 

• Ask TEA to 'splain some things. 
• Ask TEA to develop a coherent research based, scientific method of research and development to guide their decisions and processes. Cuz what they did ain't any kind of valid research. Key board warriors can scan the internet and anybody can ask Siri or Alexa about organizations that recommend books. That doesn't mean what they think it does. How about looking at what we already have in our textbooks and classrooms? 
• Ask TEA to allow teacher input. Heck, let's ensure teacher guidance. They are the experts. 
• Ask TEA to adhere to the minimum requirement of the HB as recommended by TCTELA - Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts
• Ask TEA to consider University syllabi for Adolescent Literacy and Children's literacy courses. I'd be happy to share mine. Those people aren't the devil. 
• Frankly, we are in this work together. How about some transparency and honestly?