Texas Even Start Administrative Manual

June 2004, (Revised January 2008)

Instructional Services

Each project must use instructional programs based on scientifically based reading research for children and adults, to the extent such research is available. The underlying premise of basing instructional programs on scientifically based reading research is that using strategies and techniques that are demonstrated to be effective through the application of scientific research methods will give states, districts, and schools a higher probability that children enter school prepared to learn to read and adults significantly improve their literacy and help their children succeed in school. Additional information on scientifically based reading research can be found in The Guidance, page 21.

There are several tools available in Texas for identifying the objectives of  scientifically-based instructional programs.  The Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines provides information on instructional content for prekindergarten.  Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/, states learning objectives for kindergarten through 12th grade.  The Texas Adult Education Content Standards identifies the body of knowledge for adult education students, http://www-tcall.tamu.edu/taesp/index.htm. 

The emphasis on research reinforces the need to measuring results clearly and effectively. Recent emphasis is on the performance of Even Start participants in school.