Members of the State Board of Education gave final approval Friday to the new required reading lists and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for K-8 social studies.
Despite receiving praise for upholding “solid American and Texan values” in the standards for K-5, concerned individuals pointed out shortfalls made during the amendment process for the 6th-12th grade standards.
One critique was the removal of significant Revolutionary War battles in high school U.S. History early Thursday morning.
But a restoration was made, without objection, of these standards during the board’s meeting on Thursday evening after SBOE member Keven Ellis (R–Lufkin) moved to reconsider U.S. History, followed by member Audrey Young (R–Trinity) making the motion to restore the Revolutionary War battles to the TEKS.
According to Mary Elizabeth Castle, director of government relations for Texas Values, the removal of the battles took place at 1 a.m. when there were only 7 members of the board in the room.
Following the restoration, Chair Aaron Kinsey (R–Midland) moved to postpone high school standards for U.S. History, U.S. Government, World History, and World Geography to a later date.
Amendments made on the K-8 standards before the final vote included simplifying language and reducing detail, but still keeping core content.
Member Pam Little (R–Fairview) put forth an amendment to teach the younger elementary school grades how to use a globe. It passed without objection.
The board ultimately gave final approval to the K-8 TEKS for social studies.
In addition to the social studies standards, the board also approved new reading lists.
Before the final vote, member LJ Francis (R–Corpus Christi) added “Jonah and the Whale” to 1st grade.
Francis also put forth an amendment in the rule text that “strongly recommends” the use of printed books over digital for K-5 students, which passed.
The board gave final approval to the required reading list in a 9-5 vote.
