TEA staff approve two publisher update requests; one approval contingent on 30‑day public comment review

The committee received two publisher requests to update adopted instructional materials and approved staff recommendations for both, one with a condition that public comment be accepted and reviewed.

TEA staff described the first request from Decker & Associates to update its personal financial‑literacy and economics materials adopted under Proclamation 2024. Staff explained that such updates are routine for materials that require current fiscal data (for example, tax tables and deadlines). The committee approved Decker’s requested updates.

The second request came from Accelerate Learning to reorganize STEM “scopes” (chapter‑style units) and to supply tailored teacher guidance and optional homework tied to individual activities. TEA staff said the Accelerate submission had been posted but not yet through the 30‑day public‑comment window required by rule. The committee approved the Accelerate request contingent upon review of public comment at the close of the 30‑day period, and staff said they would convene a follow-up committee meeting no later than July 18 to consider final action.

Why it matters: publishers regularly update adopted materials, especially for subjects that require current factual data. The committee used the statutory 30‑day public comment requirement as the basis for a conditioned approval and scheduled a follow‑up review to meet procedural rules while minimizing disruption to classroom planning.

Supporting details: a committee member urged TEA to clarify submission timelines and public‑posting protocols for publishers after some publishers reported confusion. The committee also agreed TEA could hold a virtual follow‑up meeting for the July review.