Texas House Passes $315M Bill to Boost Early Reading and Math Skills

Texas House Passes $315M Bill to Boost Early Reading and Math Skills. 

Texas House has passed a major education bill that would invest $315 million into improving early literacy and math skills for young students across the state.

Known as House Bill 123, the legislation targets students in kindergarten through third grade, aiming to catch academic struggles before they become long-term setbacks.

The bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate, where it will be reconciled with a similar measure, Senate Bill 2252.

Over Half of Texas Third Graders Are Falling Behind

According to state assessment results from the 2023–24 school year, more than 50 percent of Texas third graders did not meet grade-level expectations in reading or math.

“First, children learn to read, then they read to learn,” said Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston), the bill’s lead author.

“If they never learn to read, the rest of their education fails because they never learned how to acquire information.”

Key Provisions of the Bill

House Bill 123 introduces a number of initiatives designed to strengthen early learning and close achievement gaps.

Regular Student Screenings

All school districts will be required to administer literacy and math screeners up to three times per year for students in grades K–3. These assessments will evaluate phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and math comprehension.

“We simply cannot afford to wait past third grade to intervene,” said Amber Shields of Commit Partnership, an education nonprofit.

Small-Group Tutoring

Students identified as significantly behind in reading or math will receive additional instruction in small-group settings.

The Texas Education Agency will develop a free screening tool for use statewide, although districts can choose to use existing resources.

Teacher Training Requirements

By the 2030–31 school year, all K–8 math teachers, principals, assistant principals, and interventionists must complete a state-run Mathematics Achievement Academy. Educators working with struggling readers will also attend Reading Intervention Academies to strengthen instructional techniques.

“Third grade is a critical juncture for a student’s academic trajectory,” said Trista Bishop-Watts, director of government relations for Good Reason Houston.

“High-quality instruction in the early years is essential for long-term academic and career success.”

Parental Engagement and Home Support

The bill also establishes Early Childhood Parental Support Programs to help prepare families for formal education. These efforts may include home visits and community outreach designed to equip parents with tools to support their child’s learning.

“The information from the screenings could bridge discrepancies between how students are performing in school and how their parents think they are performing,” said Gabe Grantham, an adviser at Texas 2036, a public policy think tank.

More Instructional Time

Districts and charter schools will have the option to apply for grants to extend the school year by up to 30 additional half-days, with a focus on early reading and math interventions.

This initiative will be supported through the Additional Days School Year Planning Grant Program.

Targeted Funding for High-Need Students

The bill adjusts the state’s Foundation School Program, increasing funding weights for economically disadvantaged students and emergent bilingual learners.

New funding allotments will specifically support early literacy efforts and parental involvement.

With House approval secured, HB 123 now awaits reconciliation with SB 2252 in the Texas Senate.

If finalized, the bill will head to Governor Greg Abbott for signature.

Supporters say the bill represents a long-overdue investment in foundational skills that shape a student’s entire academic career.

With alarming numbers of young learners falling behind, House Bill 123 aims to give schools, teachers, and families the tools they need to reverse course—starting with the earliest years. 

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