History of the Texas Reading First HEC

History

Since 1997, the Vaughn Gross Center for Reading and Language Arts has been instrumental in improving reading instruction in Texas by conducting reading research and developing professional development guides. The HEC was created to engage the higher education community in the overall effort to establish research-based reading instruction in Texas public schools. In the fall of 2000, a cooperative venture was formed among 15 faculty members from the University of North Texas, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas Tech University, the Texas Education Agency, and the Vaughn Gross Center.

Due to an overwhelming response and interest from others, the HEC in Texas has expanded both in scope and depth to include approximately 240 faculty from 56 Texas colleges and universities. This represents approximately 82 percent of the university-based teacher preparation programs in Texas. Currently, there are 191 active participants from 52 Texas colleges and universities.

The TRF-HEC is a partner with TEA in providing direct support to identified Reading First elementary schools and eligible but unfunded schools. HEC members integrate SBRR into their preservice courses to prepare highly qualified teachers. The HEC members also work directly with Reading First schools through such activities as student teaching assignments and professional development.