Early education is a critical time for students to develop the foundational skills in reading and math that build throughout their education. In Houston, 58% of students are not reading on grade level by 3rd grade and 63% are not proficient in math (STAAR Aggregate Year-Over-Year Comparison). With these alarming gaps in literacy and numeracy, House Bill 123 (HB 123), along with its Senate counterpart SB 2252, offer a data-driven solution aimed at providing all Texas students the early skills they need to thrive.
As the House Public Education Committee plans to consider the bill March 18, here are four key reasons to support HB 123:
Empowering Parents and Educators Through Effective Monitoring: HB 123 would strengthen progress monitoring in K-3 by using approved literacy and numeracy screeners, providing teachers with essential data and ensuring parents are informed about their child’s progress
Early Intervention to Close Achievement Gaps: Regular literacy and numeracy screenings allow for early identification of students who are falling behind grade level. HB 123 then would ensure students receive timely, targeted interventions to help them catch up before gaps widen.
Educator Support and Development: In 2019, HB 3 (86R) required early educators to complete reading academies, professional training designed to strengthen literacy instruction. HB 123 builds on this foundation and the state’s corollary framework for math academies, expanding these professional development opportunities to include supporting intervention academies.
Targeting Funding for Students Who Need It Most: In addition to funding to support reading and math academy completion, HB 123 proposes a new allotment for early literacy interventions, investing in high-quality, evidence-backed strategies to accelerate student learning.
House Bill 123 is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that will strengthen Texas education for our earliest learners. While the bill offers robust solutions, one adjustment could further elevate our early learning landscape:
While the bill does propose adding funding to the Early Education Allotment by slightly increasing the weight, the Legislature has an opportunity to expand the allotment to include pre-K students. Pre-K is a powerful opportunity that doubles children’s potential to be kindergarten ready. By adding pre-K students to the funding weight, the Legislature would not only increase funding for pre-K through 3rd grade as intended, it would also incentivize districts’ pre-K enrollment.
