AUSTIN – Governor David Acton (R-TX) has filed the Texas Reading Excellence and Classroom Safety (TRECS) Act, a new education reform bill designed to enhance reading proficiency among Texas children in early grades and ensure safe learning environments. The legislation draws inspiration from Mississippi’s Literacy-Based Promotion Act, which has shown significant success in improving reading outcomes. The TRECS Act mandates the use of evidence-based reading instruction methods, emphasizing structured and systematic approaches aligned with the science of reading. It prohibits ineffective guessing-based strategies, such as three-cueing systems, which have been criticized for hindering literacy development. Key components of the TRECS Act include: - **Structured Reading Instruction**: All reading instruction for kindergarten through third grade must utilize proven methods that align with the science of reading. - **Teacher Training**: The bill requires professional development for current educators and sets new standards for teacher preparation programs to ensure that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills. - **Early Literacy Screening**: Universal screening for early literacy will be implemented, along with individualized interventions for students who require additional support. - **Third-Grade Reading Proficiency Requirement**: Students must demonstrate grade-level reading proficiency on state tests before advancing to fourth grade. The bill includes provisions for accelerated support and good-cause exemptions for retained students. - **Classroom Management Authority**: Teachers will have enhanced authority to remove disruptive students from the classroom, with established processes for review and intervention. Districts will also be required to implement positive behavior supports. Governor Acton emphasized the importance of reading as a foundational skill for student success, stating, “Texas students deserve every opportunity to succeed, and reading is the foundation for that success.” He referenced Mississippi's transformation from low to high national reading rankings as a model for Texas to follow. The TRECS Act aims to significantly improve literacy rates among Texas students by implementing these evidence-based strategies and providing teachers with the tools they need to foster a conducive learning environment.