Members of the public shared both praise and criticism with the State Board of Education during a special meeting on Wednesday discussing new social studies standards for Texas students.
The board reviewed Work Group A’s proposed social studies guidelines, which focus on teaching Texas, U.S., and world history in a layered, chronological approach. The guidelines also integrate civics and financial literacy concepts throughout the curriculum rather than teaching them as stand‑alone courses.
The guidelines, known as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), will determine the framework for curriculum and course aims in Texas’ government schools.
Some members of the public voiced concerns that the guidelines were too academically rigorous, too Texas-focused, ideologically biased, and lacked applicable skills. Some called the new framework “radical”.
Mary Elizabeth Castle, director of government relations for Texas Values, commended the new TEKS but also offered suggestions regarding the draft written by the work group. Her recommendations include adding that Moses was not only an inspiration for African Americans held in slavery but also gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, and removing language that suggests Islam influenced the architecture of the Alamo.
“We saw that there is a deletion of Washington’s Thanksgiving proclamation of 1789. We believe this should be placed back in the TEKS as well,” added Castle. “I think a lot of people don’t realize why we have Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s a very unique holiday to our country. It also has a religious and Christian founding to it, so we believe that’s important as well.”
Several members from the work group spoke in opposition to the time period allotted for them to write the guidelines, despite the board giving additional time compared to previous years.
Work groups were allowed to make suggested strikes and additions to the provided outlines, as well as make recommendations to the board for more substantial changes. The content advisors also provided feedback and recommendations to the board regarding the work group’s proposed draft.
Board members discussed how the second work group’s charge will be shaped and how to ensure that the recommendations made by the work group do not override the original intent of the guidelines.
The second work group, known as Work Group B, is currently being formed. The SBOE expressed hope that the work group could begin meeting quickly to ensure the first draft is completed in time for the board’s April meeting. During the April meeting, an official first reading of the new TEKS will take place if ready.
The board approved the materials for the newly required civics training for teachers and administrators, but postponed approval of the materials for required school trustee training on parental rights in regards to a child’s education until the April meeting.
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