Announcement:

TEA is now accepting applications( opens in new window) from qualified K–5 English and Spanish reading language arts, K–3 English and Spanish phonics, and K–12 math content experts interested in reviewing materials for the Instructional Materials Review and Approval (IMRA) Cycle 24. Visit the HB 1605 webpage( opens in new window) for more information about IMRA. The TRR reports for K–8 and high school science are now available. to support local adoptions.

Texas Resource Review

Quality reviews of instructional materials to inform local decisions

Explore Quality Reviews

Teacher with students English Language Arts & Reading
Student standing in front of class Math K-8
Teacher and two students Prekindergarten Systems
Girl reading Spanish Language Arts & Reading

Reviews by and for Texas Teachers

students reading

Committed to Improving Student Achievement

Research shows high-quality instructional materials are critical to improving student outcomes. TRR provides objective, evidence-based reviews that empower local school districts to make informed decisions for their students.

Texas teachers are at the heart of our review process. Each review cycle begins with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills aligned rubrics and a rigorously vetted review team of highly trained educators from all over the state.

We also provide additional curriculum implementation support so teachers can focus more energy on what matters most: students.

Testimonials

Teralee Barnett
travis Armstrong
Amy Wright

Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to evaluate the quality of instructional materials?

TEA contracts with a private entity to conduct an independent analysis of each instructional material to evaluate its quality. As a part of this process, the agency ensures that the definition of quality is communicated via rubrics that are used to assess all instructional materials.

While the rubrics are customized based on content area and grade band, there are commonalities across all rubrics. For example, all quality evaluation rubrics include the percentage of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), or Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines (TPG), and English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) coverage as determined by the State Board of Education (SBOE) process; an assessment of supports for diverse learners; a determination of supports, resources, and guidance for use in the classroom; information about technology requirements, program cost, professional development, and additional language supports; among other factors.

Examples of criteria unique to English language arts and reading (ELAR) rubrics are the variety and complexity of texts, how students are required to respond to the texts, and whether materials support the development of foundational literary skills.

Who conducts the reviews?

All reviewers are Texas educators. Each review team consists of five reviewers. At least two review team members are current classroom teachers. Other reviewers may be Texas district and campus administrators who demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the state standards, rigorous expectations for high-quality instructional materials, and deep knowledge of effective curriculum implementation.  Texas reviewers represent all geographic areas of the state and a significant number have expertise serving students with special needs, English learners, and classrooms with high percentages of students receiving free and reduced-price lunch.

All reviewers complete a rigorous selection process and ongoing training to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to write valid and reliable reviews that are helpful to Texas LEAs. For more information, visit the Review Team Selection page.

How does the Texas Resource Review work with the SBOE standards review process? Are they different?

The Texas Resource Review of instructional materials supports and enhances the established standards alignment review process. All materials reviewed for quality are also reviewed using the SBOE’s review process and the results of the standards review are featured as a part of the quality reviews on the TRR website. 

Who develops and provides feedback on the quality rubrics?

TEA receives feedback from hundreds of stakeholders including but not limited to Texas teachers, district and campus administrators, SBOE members, regional education service centers, numerous Texas associations, and publishers. For more information, see the rubric development section of our website.

Which other grades and content areas will be reviewed in the future?

The Texas Resource Review is intended to be a continuous process where teams of Texas educators conduct quality reviews of materials that meet the needs of districts.

The selection of subject areas and grade levels to be reviewed is informed by expressed needs and purchasing patterns of local education agencies. TEA seeks to align the timing of quality reviews with the adoption and purchasing timelines followed by most districts based on the proclamation schedule.

Are districts required to use the information in the quality reviews?

TEA believes deeply that local education agencies (LEAs) are best positioned to decide which curricula best fit the needs of their teachers and students. The TRR website is designed to complement and strengthen each LEA’s local review process by providing clear information about the quality of curricula. The TRR does not impact a district's ability to make their own local review and adoption decisions and LEAs  have complete autonomy to decide if and how they use the quality reviews as part of their local decision-making processes.

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For Publishers

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Partnership is a Key to Success

Publishers provide the key element in the Texas Resource Review, the instructional materials themselves.

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