EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas State Board of Education is considering sweeping changes to its social studies and English literature standards this week, a pivotal move that could reshape classrooms across the state.
The impending decision is being closely watched by educators and parents alike, as the outcome will directly influence how history is taught, which books make it onto classroom shelves, and ultimately, how students learn about America’s development.
The proposed framework changes have received significant pushback for months from students, teachers, and parents. That debate is coming to a head this week in Austin as the board prepares to make a preliminary vote on revisions before the final vote is taken up in June.
Critics of the changes argue that the new curriculum leans heavily into Texas and U.S. history across all grade levels at the expense of global perspectives. Gustavo Reveles, who represents El Paso and Southwest Texas on the State Board of Education (District 1), echoed those concerns and said the overhaul is driven by political input from stakeholders rather than classroom teachers.
“What’s happening right now is we changed from a model that included world history and a world perspective into teaching history, and [to] one that is centered on American and Texas exceptionalism,” Reveles said. “Those are fancy words for saying that we will teach history based on what Texas thinks, not facts and figures.”
Opponents also worry the framework will eliminate the teaching of critical historical moments to create a less diverse view of history.
“The diverse perspective is what’s trying to be erased from our social studies curriculum, and trying to put it only into the perspective of one culture, one race, and that is not a true telling of the history of our state of Texas. And that is definitely not a true telling of the history of our country,” Norma De La Rosa, president of the El Paso Teachers Association, said. “We’re going to blur history by omitting these movements — the civil rights movement, the farm labor movement. Anything that does not fit within that white American picture is being removed from what our teachers would be teaching.”
Additionally, the proposed curriculum places an emphasis on patriotism and incorporates readings from the Christian Bible, sparking concerns that it blurs the line separating church and state.
However, conservative advocacy groups in Texas argue that the changes are a step in the right direction. Mary Castle, director of Government Relations for Texas Values, believes the emphasis on religion is a net positive for Texas classrooms.
“These are positive for students because they help students understand the Christian founding,” Castle said. “Putting back in the standards that Moses was a law giver and that he authored the Ten Commandments, and also putting in things like the Thanksgiving Day proclamation and prayer, helps students understand our Christian bases for our nation.”
Discussions among the board are expected to continue through Friday. Following this week’s meetings, the board will direct the Texas Education Agency to draft the final curriculum.
A final vote on the sweeping changes is expected later this year in June.
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