The Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts acknowledges the growing interest in 
scripted curricula across school districts and campuses to address educational consistency, 
accountability, and standards alignment. However, TCTELA believes that effective education must 
balance structured guidance with the essential art of responsive teaching that honors diverse 
student populations' unique needs, backgrounds, and contexts.
 

TCTELA recognizes that districts and campuses may turn to scripted curricula for various legitimate 
reasons, including:
 

     ● Ensuring consistent implementation of standards across classrooms and schools
     ● Supporting inexperienced educators with clear instructional pathways
     ● Aligning instruction with standardized assessment expectations
     ● Providing research-based instructional sequences
     ● Addressing resource inequities between districts and schools
     ● Streamlining planning time for overextended educators

 

However, TCTELA maintains that no curriculum, regardless of quality or rigor, can perfectly meet 
the needs of every student in every classroom across our diverse state. We believe that effective 
instruction requires educators to make informed professional decisions that respond to:
 

      ● The unique cultural backgrounds and linguistic needs of their specific student populations
      ● Regional and community contexts that shape students' experiences and perspectives
      ● Variations in prior knowledge, learning profiles, and educational experiences
      ● Emerging student interests, questions, and pathways for deeper engagement
      ● Real-time formative assessment data revealing student understanding
      ● Current events and evolving social contexts that impact student learning TCTELA supports 
         educational approaches that:
      ● Value teacher expertise and professional judgment as essential components of effective 
         instruction
      ● Provide high-quality curricular resources that can be thoughtfully adapted rather than rigidly 
         followed

      ● Recognize that responsive teaching requires flexibility within curricular frameworks
      ● Honor the diverse experiences and needs of Texas students through culturally sustaining practices
      ● Support educators in making informed instructional decisions based on student needs
      ● Acknowledge that the most effective learning experiences emerge from the relationship between 
         teachers, students, and content
 

Texas educators deserve the professional respect and autonomy to make informed decisions about 
implementing curriculum in ways that best serve their specific student populations. Students 
deserve learning experiences that honor their unique backgrounds, respond to their needs, and 
prepare them for success in an ever-changing world.
TCTELA challenges district and campus leaders to:

 

Support Teacher Autonomy

 

       ● Recognize the value of teachers’ professional expertise in making responsive instructional 
          decisions
       ● Create time and space for teachers to adapt the curriculum to meet specific student needs 
          thoughtfully
       ● Establish policies that support flexibility within curricular frameworks

          Foster Professional Learning

       ● Provide and/or sponsor ongoing professional development that strengthens teachers’ ability to 
          implement curricula responsively
       ● Support collaboration time for teachers to share strategies and best practices
       ● Invest in coaching and mentorship programs that enhance curricular implementation

 

Create Supportive Environments

 

       ● Encourage innovation and risk-taking in instructional practice
       ● Ensure teachers have the resources needed to supplement curricula when appropriate
       ● Advocate for their teachers’ professional decision-making at all levels
 

TCTELA challenges educators to:

 

Engage Critically with Curriculum
 

       ● Recognize the value and limitations of any curricular resource
       ● Identify opportunities for responsive adaptation while maintaining instructional integrity
       ● Advocate for curricular resources that honor diverse student experiences
 

Center Student Needs

 

      ● Use formative assessment to understand student strengths and challenges
      ● Make thoughtful adaptations based on specific student learning profiles
      ● Balance standardized expectations with student-centered approaches

 

Develop Professional Expertise
 

      ● Pursue ongoing professional learning about effective curriculum implementation
      ● Collaborate with colleagues to share strategies for responsive teaching
      ● Document the impact of instructional decisions on student learning

 

TCTELA believes that the most effective educational approach combines high-quality curricular 
resources with the irreplaceable professional judgment of skilled educators who understand their 
students' unique needs. We commit to supporting Texas educators in navigating this balance and 
advocating for approaches that honor curricular coherence and responsive teaching.
 

Resources:
 

Annual Conference & Exposition
English in Texas

Texas Voices

PD2Teach
Yearning & Learning Podcast
National Council of Teachers of English