In September, the board adopted a plan that emphasizes Texas and U.S. history, while reducing focus on world history and cultures.  AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas State Board of Education is moving forward with discussions of changes to how public schools teach social studies.  In September, the board adopted a plan that emphasizes Texas and U.S. history, while reducing focus on world history and cultures.  During a Wednesday meeting, the State Board of Education discussed which key topics would be included in the new framework. view article

Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued an opinion formally concluding that the State Board of Education is legally required to adopt Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards for religious literature as a mandatory component of the public school enrichment curriculum.  This directive comes in response to a request for legal clarification from SBOE Chair Aaron Kinsey, who asked whether the board must promulgate rules for religious literature instruction and how that instruction must be implemented in Texas schools.  Kinsey also sought guidance as to whether the SBOE could incorporate religious literature into English or social studies courses or if it must be a stand alone course.  According to Paxton’s opinion, the board is required to adopt TEKS for religious literature, as it is part of the state’s enrichment curriculum. view article

The Texas State Board of Education is reshaping how public schools will teach social studies for years to come, but its recent selection of the panelists who will advise members during the process is causing concern among educators, historians and both Democrats and Republicans, who say the panel’s composition is further indication that the state wants to prioritize hard-right conservative viewpoints.  The Republican-dominated education board earlier this year officially launched the process of redesigning Texas’ social studies standards, which outline in detail what students should know by the time of graduation. The group, which will meet again in mid-November, is aiming to finalize the standards by next summer, with classroom implementation expected in 2030. view article

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath is holding a news conference Thursday morning.  Texas Education Agency officials did not provide details about what Morath will discuss with reporters.  The Fort Worth Report will provide updates following the call.  In a Wednesday evening statement, FWISD officials said they were aware of a possible announcement about the district.  “When the Texas Education Agency issues its official announcement, Fort Worth ISD will review it immediately and share verified information, beginning with our staff and families,” the statement reads. “Our focus remains on our students by providing uninterrupted learning. We are grateful to our educators and staff for their continuous commitment to our students and families.”  On Tuesday, Morath was in the area as he toured schools in Lake Worth ISD, one of two Tarrant County districts facing a potential state takeover. He indicated his decision on Lake Worth schools would be made once the district’s appeals conclude in December.  view article

Texas may change how your child understands biology when taught in a public high school classroom. The Texas' Board of Education tentatively approved changes to portions of the states Biology curriculum. Instead of asking Texas public school students to “evaluate” scientific explanations for the origins of DNA and the complexity of certain cells, the state will now ask that the students "examine" the scientific explanations for the origins of DNA and complexity of certain cells. In the past, some educators have argued that the word "evaluate" encouraged students to challenge the scientific theory of evolution and opened the door to teaching creationism. view article

The Georgetown Board of Trustees has hired Fred Brent as the district's newest superintendent. view article