EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14/CBS4) — EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) – Texas education leaders are weighing sweeping changes to what public school students learn in social studies, a decision that could move forward next week as the State Board of Education reviews updated Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards.
The standards guide what Texas public school students learn from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The proposed social studies update would affect more than 5.5 million Texas students, including students in El Paso.
The debate centers on what history should be emphasized and whether the current draft provides an unbiased curriculum.
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Gustavo Reveles, the District 1 representative on the State Board of Education which includes El Paso, said he has “serious concern about the proposed changes to the state curriculum and social studies, the way we teach history to our students.”
The proposed framework would organize history lessons in chronological order while placing a stronger emphasis on Texas and U.S. history.
Supporters say that approach would give students a stronger foundation in American government, Western civilization and Texas identity.
Mandy Drogin, a senior fellow with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, said history should not be politicized.
“We want a historical curriculum that is factual, that is patriotic, that sets our kids up to understand the greatness of America and how Texas is its greatest embodiment and what they can do to know and continue to perpetuate the freedoms and the prosperity that we all enjoy today,” Drogin said.
Drogin also said students need to understand the foundations of America and Texas, including the role of the Bible in American history and government.
“You cannot separate American history, Western civilization history from the influence of the Bible,” Drogin said.
Critics argue the proposal is too Texas- and U.S.-focused and does not give enough attention to world history, diverse perspectives and difficult parts of American history.
Andrew Freeman, communications director with the Texas Freedom Network, said, “They’re really radically trying to change the curriculum to make sure that it’s Western centric and what they say pro-American,” adding that “these 15 board members are deciding what students effectively do and do not learn in their social studies classrooms.”
Reveles said he is also concerned about whether teachers had enough of a voice in the process.
“My approach to this decision is not on telling teachers what to do. It’s on allowing their voices to be heard and have them tell us what needs to happen,” Reveles said.
Reveles said the decision will affect local classrooms.
“I would tell them that it doesn’t happen in Austin, that it really needs to happen in our classrooms,” Reveles said.
“I want to make sure that the curriculum we approve celebrates all Texan experiences, not just some.”
The board is meeting throughout next week and is expected to hear more public comment and possibly propose amendments before a final vote.
If approved, the new standards would go into effect starting in the 2030-2031 school year.
To view drafts of the proposed changes, click here.
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