The weekly “Answer Key” is designed to help families by answering important questions about education and schools in Greater Houston. If you have any questions, please email us at education@houstonlanding.org or fill out the form at the end of this article.
This week’s question:
Texas education leaders have been talking about “quality materials” lately. why? And what are they?
You may have heard buzz about the materials Texas schools use to teach children since the State Board of Education voted in November for a curriculum list that includes Bible lessons.
Along the way, states and elected officials used language that was unfamiliar to many families: “high-quality educational materials.” It’s a term that’s been around for a while, but it’s taking on more significance with the passage of a new state law in 2023.
So what does this word mean? And who decides whether the study materials are of high quality? Here’s what we know.
What are the teaching materials?
Teaching materials are things used in schools to teach subjects to students, such as lesson plans, grading rubrics, and answer keys. The term also includes materials used by students, such as textbooks, workbooks, computer courses, DVDs, and other forms of media.
Who decides whether the teaching materials are of high quality?
A Texas law passed in 2023 outlines the process for creating a list of approved classroom materials. The Texas Education Agency, whose leaders are appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, has a 15-member board elected by Texas voters who say if a curriculum meets a set of standards determined by the State Board of Education. considered to be of “high quality”.
The law also provides school districts with $40 to $60 per student each year for using curriculum that falls off the vetted list.
So what are the criteria?
Materials are said to be of high quality if they meet the following criteria:
Complete coverage of Texas essential knowledge and skills standards. These are expectations set by the State Board of Education for what students should learn in each subject and grade level. We provide support to all types of learners, including students with disabilities, emerging bilingual students, and students classified as “gifted.” There are no factual errors. Meets grade level requirements. We use “evidence-based best practices” in core subject areas such as reading, math, science, and social studies. Allow teachers to frequently monitor student learning progress. Meets state preschool standards and English proficiency standards. Meets manufacturing standards.
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Why does this designation exist?
Lawmakers built this process as a way to ensure the quality of materials used in classrooms was scrutinized. State officials believe the approved curriculum will improve student achievement and help maintain academic performance at grade level.
These materials are also intended to be more easily available to teachers, rather than requiring them to spend time searching for and creating their own instructional resources.
However, this process is not without criticism. Some advocates argued in 2023 that textbooks approved by the Republican-controlled State Board of Education did not include adequate information about climate change. In November, a controversy arose over a voluntary curriculum prepared by the state that included Bible lessons.
Why don’t all schools use quality teaching materials?
Local school boards and administrators determine the curriculum and materials that teachers use. School districts are not required to use high-quality designated curriculum.
Lawmakers passed the law in 2023, so the process of creating a complete list of approved classroom materials is still ongoing. Some school districts are using curriculum that has not yet been considered by the state, while others simply have not yet made the switch.
Some school districts, such as Houston ISD, have curriculum teams that create their own materials for teachers to use in-house, in addition to using materials purchased from curriculum companies.
Is my child learning with high-quality materials?
You can search here for materials previously considered by the State Board of Education. Many school districts publish their curriculum online, but it’s often difficult to find, so your child’s teacher or principal may be the best person to ask about the materials used at school.
Miranda partners with Open Campus to cover community colleges in Houston. About half of Houston’s higher education students attend community colleges, yet there hasn’t been much news coverage about these systems or their students. Her reporting holds institutions accountable, highlights the barriers students face, and helps students seize opportunities. Contact Miranda at miranda@houstonlanding.org or on Twitter and Instagram.
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