The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) has initiated the development of a new set of criteria for selecting classroom instructional materials for schools across the state. The proposed standards will govern the evaluation of materials to be utilized in classrooms and stored in school libraries.
The SBOE, as stated on its official website, consists of 15 members who are elected by voters from 15 districts in Texas. Governor Greg Abbott appointed Keven Ellis, representing District 9, as the chair of the SBOE. Pam Little from District 12 serves as the vice-chair, while Pat Hardy from District 11 holds the position of treasurer.
According to information provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the SBOE is responsible for setting policies and standards related to curriculum. The board also reviews instructional materials and provides final review of rules proposed by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification. Its other responsibilities include establishing graduation requirements, overseeing the Texas Permanent School Fund, appointing board members to military reservation and special school districts, and reviewing new charter schools' commissioner's proposed award with veto power over a recommended applicant.
On December 18th, as per a press release issued by TEA, several items relating to House Bill 1605 were addressed by the SBOE. This bill instructed the SBOE to collaborate with TEA on developing a new process for approving classroom instructional materials termed "Instructional Materials Review and Approval" (IMRA).
The press release further revealed that after discussing these proposed rules, making some amendments, Ellis and his team approved these initial rules on first reading only.
The newly proposed rules would require publishers to submit their materials for review, thereby creating additional responsibilities for them. According to this release, these rules would also establish an annual review process and provide a portal through which parents can view what materials are being used in schools.
