Are the Reading Academies mandatory?

Yes. A key feature of House Bill 3 requires all kindergarten through third-grade teachers and elementary principals to complete the Texas Reading Academies before the end of the 2022-23 school year, with continued training for staff members new to required roles beyond the 2022-23 school year.

Who is required to participate in the Reading Academies?

• All K-3 teachers (except music, arts, and PE). This includes all elementary SPED (except ECSE), G/T teachers, demo teachers, and reading interventionists
• All principals, assistant principals, and district (ILCs) coaches
• All librarians

I have attended a Reading Academy in the past. Would I be required to attend this one?

Yes. The HB 3 Reading Academies are different from other Reading Academies that have been offered in the past. If you are a K-3 teacher or administrator, you will be required to complete the academy.

I am a Master Reading Teacher. Can I be exempt from the Reading Academies?

No. Holding a Master Reading Teacher certification or any other advanced certification in Reading will not exempt you from the Reading Academies if you are a required participant.

I am a part-time Gifted/Talented teacher. Would I still need to participate?

Yes. All GT teachers in elementary have to join.

What are the training dates for the Reading Academies?

For the 2023-24 school year, learners will engage in an online, self-paced manner following a pacing guide. There will be no LIVE training sessions. 

Do I need to register for the Reading Academies?

Yes. You will be required to register for your cohort through TEA. 

How long are the Reading Academies?

The English Language & Reading (ELAR) and Biliteracy pathways are approximately 60 hours. The Administrator pathway and Science of Teaching Reading (STR) pathways are approximately 42 hours respectively. Please note that the admin pathway is only open to administrators and ILCs, while the STR pathway is for teachers that have passed the STR certification exam. 

How will changes due to leveling, late hires, mid-year transfers, and promotions be addressed? 

Participants assuming a new position on or before August 25, would be able to participate. All new hires after August 25 would have to wait until the next school year to participate.

Will participants receive credit hours?

Participants that successfully complete the Reading Academies will receive continuing professional education (CPE) hours from the state. 

Will teachers receive a stipend?

Yes. Stipends are $1400 per teacher for participants enrolled in the ELAR and biliteracy pathways and $1000 per teacher for participants enrolled in the STR pathway. Stipends will be paid out in June 2024 upon successful completion of the Reading Academies.

Will non-teacher participants receive a stipend?

No. Only teachers will receive stipends. All other participants will have time carved out during the workday to complete course requirements. 

My feeder is not participating until year two or three. What do I need to do in the meantime?

Stay connected to all things Reading Academies via the website www.dallasisd.org/ReadingAcademies and social media platforms (@ReadBIGDallas)! 

I still have questions. Who do I contact?

Please email us at readingacademies@dallasisd.org and we will be glad to help!