Texas SBOE Considers Statewide Reading List: What Voters Should Know
The Texas State Board of Education is weighing a proposal that could significantly change what students across Texas read in their English classrooms—and it has sparked widespread concern among educators, parents, and civic organizations.
What’s happening
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has drafted a statewide list of literary works that would apply to all traditional public schools and open-enrollment charter schools. The list was developed in response to House Bill 1605 (2023) and would take effect beginning in the 2030–31 school year.
While the law requires the State Board of Education to designate one literary work per grade level, the draft proposal goes much further. For grades 6–12, TEA has proposed approximately 20 texts per grade, including five full-length works such as novels, plays, or book-length nonfiction.
Why this proposal is controversial
Texas has never had a required statewide reading list, and HB 1605 does not mandate one. Educators and advocates argue that, in practice, the proposed list would function as a de facto required canon.
In middle and high school English classes, five long works often account for most—or all—of a year’s reading. That leaves little room for teachers to incorporate additional books that reflect local communities, student interests, or evolving instructional goals. Critics warn this approach would:
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Reduce local control and instructional flexibility
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Crowd out literature that has been successfully taught for decades
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Limit students’ exposure to diverse voices and perspectives
The Austin American-Statesman published a January 22 editorial arguing that a mandatory Bible-centered list would undermine parental rights and blur the line between public education and religious instruction. Coverage by the Texas Tribune and the Statesman also documented strong public pushback during recent SBOE hearings.
Concerns intensified as reports highlighted the inclusion of Bible-based texts and other ideologically charged selections. The Austin American-Statesman published a January 22 editorial arguing that a mandatory Bible-centered list would undermine parental rights and blur the line between public education and religious instruction. Coverage by the Texas Tribune and the Statesman also documented strong public pushback during recent SBOE hearings.
What the SBOE decided—so far
Following heated public testimony, the State Board of Education voted to postpone a final decision. The issue will return for further consideration at SBOE meetings in April and June, giving Texans additional time to weigh in.
Why this matters to voters
At its core, this debate is about who decides what children read in Texas classrooms. A broad, state-driven canon shifts decision-making away from locally elected school boards and professional educators—raising concerns about governance, transparency, and responsiveness to community needs.
For League of Women Voters members, the issue touches on long-standing LWV priorities: local control, informed decision-making, and the proper role of government in public education.
What you can do
Texas residents can make their voices heard. The Austin Council of PTAs and other education advocates encourage community members to: Contact
Even short messages matter—SBOE members track both the volume and themes of public input.
As the Board revisits this proposal in the coming months, continued civic engagement will be essential to ensuring that Texas classrooms remain places of broad learning, local choice, and inclusive representation.