For basic knowledge, it's so helpful to read the words of some of the leaders in our profession. You might share some of your own favorite pedagogy or lead book studies, focusing on the work of our giants like Donald Graves, Don Murray, Peter Elbow, James Moffett, Dan Kirby, Jim Burke. Review the "Writing Next" report and the foundation beliefs of the National Writing Projects. Get them involved in the ongoing professional conversations, even if they just start as listeners, reading the professional journals of ILA and NCTE. It won't be long before they evolve from consumers to participants in the professional conversations. The TEKS are not really that different from instructional standards across the country.