HB 1605

House Bill 1605, passed during the 88th Texas Legislature (Regular Session), expanded the State Board of Education (SBOE) process for approving high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and increased funding for their adoption. It also strengthened parent transparency, teacher planning protections, and the review process for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Key Provisions of HB 1605:

 - Established the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) process with new criteria for instructional material evaluation.
 - Required school districts to implement a local review process for classroom instructional materials.
 - Mandated publishers to provide online access to IMRA-approved textbooks for parents.
 - Directed TEA to develop state-owned textbooks (now called Bluebonnet Learning materials) subject to SBOE approval.
 - Provided optional teacher training and grants for educator preparation programs.
 - Increased funding for the Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment (IMTA) and introduced two new entitlements for districts using SBOE-approved or state-developed OER.
 - Added a required vocabulary and book list addendum to Reading Language Arts (RLA) standards.
 - Made the TEKS review and revision schedule more flexible.
 - Prohibited three-cueing in phonics instruction.
 - Protected teacher planning time, ensuring they cannot be required to create initial instructional materials unless under a supplemental duty agreement.

 

Learn more about HB 1605 and its impact for local educational agencies (LEAs):