State data shows students have struggled to return to pre-coronavirus pandemic test scores in math. Across Texas, the percentage of students approaching grade level, or passing, the math State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness declined for every grade from spring 2023 to spring 2024, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The overview
Senate Bill 2252, by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, would require school districts to administer math and reading “screeners,” which measure comprehension and development, for students in kindergarten through third grade. Students throughout Texas currently take reading screeners at the beginning of kindergarten, but there is not a similar requirement for math.
Under SB 2252, districts would be required to provide intervention and support for students who fail the screeners at least twice in a row. The assessments would be free for schools to provide and students’ results would be shared with their parents, according to the bill.
“Senate Bill 2252 represents a historic investment in Texas children during these critical early years,” Creighton said during the April 1 hearing. “This is more than just an education bill—it's a workforce bill as well, ensuring that Texas builds a stronger and better-prepared generation for the future of our workforce.”
An identical proposal, House Bill 123, was discussed in the House Public Education Committee on March 19.
Another proposal by Creighton, SB 2253, seeks to better prepare prospective and early-career teachers for the profession. The bill would offer stipends for teacher candidates who complete one of several educator certification programs, including university-based programs and classroom residencies.
SB 2252 and SB 2253 were left pending in the committee April 1. If the committee approves the bills during a future hearing, they will head to the Senate floor.
Zooming in
During the April 1 hearing, Texas educators and advocacy groups said SB 2252, the early literacy and numeracy bill, would help schools better understand student progress and pinpoint areas where students are struggling.
“The importance of foundational skills in math and reading cannot be overstated,” said Trista Bishop-Watts, the government relations director for Good Reason Houston, an education nonprofit. “Research shows third grade is a critical juncture for a student's academic trajectory, making high-quality instruction in grades pre-K through two critical to career and academic success.”
Since districts are not currently required to administer math screening tests, many students’ math deficiencies are not identified until they begin taking the STAAR in third grade, Gabe Grantham, an education policy adviser for nonpartisan think tank Texas 2036, told Community Impact in August.
“I've always considered myself a math person, but I know that is not true for everyone,” Grantham told the committee April 1. “In conversations about literacy and numeracy over the past year, I've noticed that no one is really saying they're not a reading person. We universally recognize literacy is essential, and math is often treated as an option.”
Grantham noted that math proficiency is important as more jobs in science, technology and engineering become available.
“Texas is not meeting workforce needs with the current level of math achievement,” he said.
During the hearing, Creighton asked witnesses what would happen if SB 2252 does not pass and Texas continues “the status quo” for student literacy and numeracy.
“We’re going to continue to see an illiterate society,” said Audrey Young, a member of the Texas State Board of Education and a former educator.
More details
Of the 49,400 teachers hired statewide during the 2023-24 school year, over 17,000 of them were uncertified, according to Texas Education Agency data. Experts said there are not strong enough incentives for all teachers to complete certification programs.
“There is no financial incentive to choose quality,” said Jacob Kirksey, an assistant professor of education at Texas Tech University. “Aspiring teachers can choose a high-quality pathway, one with student teaching and mentorship, but that choice means they will have little income while completing student teaching and then enter a profession where, as of now, they can make the same starting salary as someone who's completely uncertified.”
SB 2253, the teacher preparation and certification bill, would require districts to pay certified educators with zero years of full-time experience a higher salary than someone with equivalent experience who is uncertified.
Creighton said the bill would also “phase out the routine hiring of uncertified teachers.”
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, districts would be prohibited from hiring uncertified teachers to teach reading and math courses. Districts would not be allowed to hire uncertified teachers for any core subjects beginning in the 2029-30 school year.
Students taught by uncertified educators without previous classroom experience lose three to four months of learning in reading and math, Kirksey found during a recent study.
“These students are more likely to be chronically absent, face disciplinary referrals and be overlooked for essential services, like those for students with dyslexia,” Kirksey told the committee.
One more thing
Pamela Breaux, an administrator at Wunderlich Intermediate School in Klein ISD, testified that SB 2253 would “ask too much, too soon” of school districts, which she said are struggling to attract and retain qualified educators.
“We all agree that teachers are critical to student success.” Breaux told the committee. “As a campus leader, I fear the proposed provisions will lead to fewer teachers in the short-term available to staff our classrooms, and particularly in foundational curriculum courses.”
Creighton said his proposal was part of a multistep plan to increase support for Texas teachers.
The Texas Senate passed a bill that would increase salaries for teachers with at least three years of classroom experience Feb. 26, and a proposal to expand public schools’ ability to discipline students was sent to the full Senate on March 25. Creighton authored both bills.
“Senate Bill 2253 empowers Texas teachers with preparation, support and training to thrive, completing a legislative package that values our educators, strengthens the profession and puts students first,” he said April 1.
