SBOE approves list of high-quality instructional materials

In an 8-7 vote, the State Board of Education approved a comprehensive list of K-12 instructional materials during its November meeting in Austin.

The list of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) includes K-5 English language arts and reading and Spanish language arts and reading, K-3 English and Spanish phonics, and K-12 mathematics. 

As directed by House Bill 1605 in 2023, the materials were created for statewide use and are designed to support educators and improve student academic outcomes while maintaining alignment with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. 

Items on the approved list will be optional resources for Texas school systems beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Districts will be entitled to an additional $40 per student, per year, to purchase any materials placed on the state’s HQIM list. 

School systems have access to an additional $20 per student, per year, if they choose to order printed copies of the Bluebonnet Learning materials which were approved for inclusion on the list. Bluebonnet Learning, the name given to the curriculum created for the Texas Education Agency, had been criticized for its many Biblical references, from stories about King Solomon to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Critics said the materials touted Christianity over other religions. Through the months-long process of reviewing materials, TEA said its materials were revised to account for many of the comments it received.

In other action at the November SBOE meeting, members said they wanted more control over determining whether school library books are considered sexually explicit or not.

Ten members on the board voted to call on the Texas Legislature, which convenes in January, to pass a state law granting them authority to determine what books are appropriate for school-age children. Local school districts currently manage that process.

The next SBOE meeting is Jan. 28-31.