Science of Teaching Reading Exam Requirements

Science of Teaching Reading Initiatives Requirements for the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) certification exam and Reading Academies were established in 2019 by the 86th Texas Legislature with the passage of House Bill 3 (HB 3). Reading Academies and the STR certification exam are different requirements that complement each other. The STR certification exam demonstrates a beginning teacher’s proficiency in the science of teaching reading. Reading Academies is an 11-month professional development program that continues learning and builds on knowledge of the STR in a school context.

Together, these programs provide teachers with the foundational knowledge to teach reading and writing  and to effectively apply that knowledge in a classroom setting.

Texas teacher candidates receive training in STR competencies during their educator preparation programs. Then they must pass the STR exam to demonstrate beginning teacher readiness for early literacy instruction. Once hired by a school district, teachers who pass the STR exam are also required to take Reading Academies. Teacher candidates for intern, probationary, or standard certification in one of the following certification fields must successfully complete the STR exam:

• Early Childhood: Prekindergarten–Grade 3

• Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading (EC-6)

• Core Subjects with the Science of Teaching Reading (4-8)

• English Language Arts and Reading with the Science of Teaching Reading (4-8)

• English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with the Science of Teaching Reading (4-8)

Teachers currently standard certified in Core Subjects: EC–6, Core Subjects: 4–8, English Language Arts and Reading: 4–8, or English Language Arts and Social Studies: 4–8 are not required to pass the STR exam for certificate renewal.

All K–3 teachers and principals are required to complete Reading Academies by 2023. This requirement includes special education teachers, literacy specialists, and departmentalized teachers. Previous Reading Academies are not a substitute for the current HB 3 Reading Academies. Educators who completed the 2018-2019 READ Grant are not required to attend HB 3 Reading Academies.

In order to be eligible for hire (intern certification), you must pass your content exam and STR exam.

For more information, please see the TEA website.