Navigating the New Terrain - Preparing Texas Teacher Candidates for the Science of Teaching Reading Constructed Response

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia

The Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) introduced new certification requirements for Pre-K through 8th-grade teacher candidates, effective 2022. Candidates must pass three exams, including the mandated Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam. Beginning January 1, 2021, STR adds a constructed response component to traditional multiple-choice items, increasing expectations for both content knowledge and writing proficiency. The article analyzes the constructed response requirements and offers preparation recommendations to help candidates meet this heightened standard.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Literature Review

STR exam structure and domains

The Constructed Response

Task expectations and scoring

Navigating the New Terrain: Preparing Texas Teacher Candidates for the Science of Teaching Reading Constructed Response Dr. Stephanie Grote-Garcia University of the Incarnate Word Dr. Bethanie Pletcher Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Jo’Ann Ruiz Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Bascolyne Day Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Abstract The Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has implemented new certification requirements, significantly affecting the path for aspiring Pre-K through 8th-grade educators. As of 2022, candidates must pass three exams: the pedagogy and professional responsibility (PPR) exam, a Core Subjects exam, and the newly mandated Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam. Effective January 1, 2021, the STR exam includes a constructed response component alongside traditional multiple-choice questions, raising proficiency standards by assessing both content knowledge and writing skills. This heightened focus on writing proficiency may pose a distinct challenge for prospective teachers. The current article offers guidance on preparing for the STR exam's constructed response segment, analyzing its requirements, and providing recommendations to develop the necessary skills. The goal is to equip teacher candidates to navigate this demanding aspect of the certification process successfully. Keywords: teacher certification, science of teaching reading, undergraduate writing, teacher candidates Texas Journal of Literacy Education | Volume 12, Issue 1 | Spring/Summer 2025 | ISSN 2374-7404 95 A pivotal shift has emerged for teacher certification in the State of Texas, and it is reshaping the journey for those aspiring to educate students in grades Pre-K through 8. Mandated by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) in 2022, prospective PreK-6th and 4th-8th educators are now required to pass three certification exams: the pedagogy and professional responsibility (PPR) exam, a Core Subjects exam for their specific certification area, and the most recently mandated Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam. Implemented January 1, 2021, the STR places priority on different theoretical models than previously tested, such as the Simple View of Reading (Gough & Turnmer, 1986) and Scarborough’s Reading Rope (Scarborough, 2001), thus placing a larger focus on explicit systematic phonics instruction. Notably, this exam also heightens the proficiency standards for aspiring teachers by introducing a constructed response component alongside the conventional multiple-choice format, or selected-response format (TEA, 2022b), thereby amplifying not only the assessment of candidates’ content knowledge but also the assessment of candidates’ writing skills. This heightened focus on writing proficiency may pose a distinct challenge for prospective teachers. In this article, our primary objective is to offer guidance on preparing teacher candidates for the constructed response segment of the STR exam. Initially, we examine the specific requirements of the constructed response, shedding light on the essential content knowledge and writing skills necessary for success. Subsequently, we present recommendations for fostering the requisite content knowledge and writing skills, aiming to empower teacher candidates to navigate this challenging aspect of the certification process. Literature Review This section provides insights into the constructed response requirements ofthe TExES STR exam. The information was extracted from TEA’s (2022a) online preparation manual for the exam. According to that document,“The TExES [STR](293) exam is designed to assess whether an examinee has the requisite knowledge and skills that an entry-level educator in this field in Texas public schools must possess”(TEA, 2022a, p. 2) . The exam consists of 90 selected-response questions and one constructed-response question, and TEA shares that those questions are based on the STR Exam Framework. Furthermore, t

FAQs

What new certification exams did SBEC implement for Texas teacher candidates?

SBEC required candidates to pass three exams: the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR) exam, a Core Subjects exam, and the Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam.

How does the STR exam differ starting January 1, 2021?

The STR exam introduces a constructed response component alongside selected-response multiple-choice questions, raising proficiency standards by assessing both content and writing skills.

What does the constructed response on the STR exam require from candidates?

Candidates must analyze assessment data from simulated exhibits, identify key reading skill needs in foundational skills and comprehension, and craft a written response addressing the exam prompt.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia