Based on meetings of educators representing the diversity of literacy organizations in Texas, this pamphlet addresses the need for a balanced and comprehensive approach to reading instruction--an approach that recognizes the importance of phonemic awareness, explicit letter-sound instruction, and word recognition practice as well as focused comprehension instruction and significant experience with literature. It briefly describes seven implications for balanced reading instruction; 11 assumptions for delivery of balanced reading instruction; five implications for professional development; and three implications for community involvement. The pamphlet also lists 15 literacy organizations in Texas. (RS)