Governor David Acton today highlighted the positive momentum of the Texas Reading Excellence and Classroom Safety Act, landmark legislation he signed earlier this year that is already transforming early literacy and classroom environments across Texas public schools. “Every Texas child deserves the ability to read proficiently and learn in a safe, focused classroom,” said Governor Acton. “This law puts proven science-of-reading methods front and center, equips teachers with better training and tools, and ensures orderly classrooms where learning comes first. Implementation is well underway, and we are already seeing stronger foundations for student success.” The Act, effective for the 2026–2027 school year, requires: • Science-Based Reading Instruction: Explicit, systematic teaching of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in kindergarten through third grade. Ineffective guessing strategies (such as three-cueing) are prohibited. • Teacher Training: All K-3 teachers must complete approved science-of-reading training, with new teacher preparation programs aligned to these standards. • Early Screening & Intervention: Universal reading screeners three times per year, plus intensive support—including personalized plans, small-group instruction, and summer programs—for struggling students. • Third-Grade Reading Proficiency: Students must demonstrate grade-level reading to advance to fourth grade, with strong accelerated support and limited good-cause exemptions for those who need to repeat the year. • Classroom Discipline: Clear authority for teachers to remove disruptive students, paired with evidence-based positive behavior supports and administrative review. The state is providing dedicated funding for training, screening tools, literacy coaches, and intervention programs. Annual reporting will track improvements in reading scores, retention rates, and classroom climate.