More than two years ago, a group of 35 Texas superintendents convened to begin examining the culture and structure needed in our public schools so that today's students have the opportunity to acquire 21st century skills necessary to compete in the global economy.

After a series of meetings and extensive discussion, this group produced a document titled "Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas," outlining a framework for transforming Texas public schools.

The changes taking place in learning are the most sweeping since the invention of the printing press.

The world in which we live is truly global, connected, and increasingly competitive. And public schools must transform themselves in order to educate our students so that they will survive — and thrive — in this environment.

The Texas Legislature has a unique opportunity in the coming weeks, to help transform the learning environment in our elementary, middle, and high schools by passing House Bill 4294.

This legislation overwhelmingly passed the House and is now pending in the Senate. The bill's primary author is Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas. Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano and chair of the Education Committee is the Senate sponsor.

HB 4294 needs more than the backing of legislators. It needs the support of all Texans. Its passage will free millions of dollars in state textbook funds annually so that local schools can invest in electronic content and other instructional materials that reflect the realities of the digital era, where students are not just consumers of knowledge, they are also creators of knowledge.

HB 4294 is about flexibility. It will allow local school districts the ability to choose cutting-edge, relevant content that will best meet the needs of their students. Schools that wish to do so may continue to purchase hardbound, printed textbooks. Or they may choose electronic textbooks, online curriculum or other technology-based learning tools and materials that are right for the students in their communities.

Schools would have the ability to use state textbook funds to purchase a much wider range of relevant, up-to-date instructional materials and technological equipment.

To ease the transition, schools would be required to purchase at least one classroom set of each state-adopted textbook, but beyond that, purchasing choices would be up to schools to meet their students' specific needs.

HB 4294 is about efficiency. Many school districts are already purchasing non-textbook instructional materials to supplement state-adopted textbooks to better prepare their students.

This legislation will enable districts to redirect these valuable local and state tax dollars to other areas of the school budget, while using state textbook funds to enrich the classroom experience in ways never before possible.

HB 4294 is about Texas children succeeding on the world stage. Its focus on bringing curriculum and instruction into the digital age paves the way for a college- and work force-ready student body prepared for success in the 21st century workplace.

Veselka is executive director of the Texas Association of School Administrators.