And the vote from the State Board of Education is…yes.
The State Board of Education has been looking to change the social studies curriculum in Texas. This week, they had community input, and people were speaking out from both sides- those in favor and those against.
But what was at stake? The biggest theme in their proposed changes is an increased focus on state history rather than world history beginning in 3rd grade — this change will take place in 2030. In other words, students will learn more about Texas and less about…well, any other part of the world. This means less understanding of what is going on outside the United States. And with less understanding usually comes less acceptance of anything different. Texas classrooms will become a cocoon of proud Texas and United States history.
But is it all something to be proud of? Or are there things in Texas history that were just plain wrong or inhumane, yet still okay to learn about and discuss in a healthy way? Well, the proposed changes aim to adjust certain facts.
The changes paint historical events within Texas and in the United States in a positive light rather than one that encourages discourse. For example, the World War II forced relocation of Japanese families will be painted as a contribution to America’s growth militarily. In other words, it was for the betterment of the United States. With this type of language, they are seeking to excuse the inhumane acts of Japanese relocation and confinement.
Teaching history as it actually happened gives students in Texas classrooms an opportunity to learn from the past, reflect on the future, and engage in productive discourse with their peers. Limiting them to half-truths sets them up for a world where they are wholly misinformed.
Another change in the social studies curriculum is that there will no longer be a World Cultures course in 6th grade. Students will no longer learn about other ways of life, which again limits them to the one and only Texas lens. They will not learn about the vast differences in how people live around the world and the rich history that shaped where they are today. This does not set up students for success.
The changes also bring Christianity into the classrooms. Beginning in Kindergarten and spanning through 12th grade, students will learn about the history of Christianity and the Old and New Testaments. Religion will enter Texas classrooms like never before. And not all religions – just Christianity. Last Tuesday, there was a preliminary vote on Bible materials to be added to the reading list for Texas classrooms (several had been removed after Monday’s community input). So, what about religions other than Christianity? Well, the word that comes to mind is probably indoctrination. Students in Texas will learn only about one religion, as the reading list contains no representation of other religions. Thus, Texan students will think that the Christianity being presented to them in their classrooms is the only way to think.
My Take & What The Research Says:
No matter the educator’s religion, they will likely be uncomfortable when their students ask about God. Educators have this inherent understanding that these conversations are between the parent and the child. Every parent has a different way of answering that question. And the reality is that whatever response they give, it will inevitably lead to more questions. This is the beauty of a young, curious mind. Having religious stories become part of the curriculum makes educators feel uncomfortable, requiring them to discuss topics they would never have before. They may answer the question based on their interpretation of the Bible, which could be vastly different from that of the child’s parents.
The focus on Christianity also ignores all of the other religions, so that educators will speak only about Christianity regardless of their beliefs.
The new social standards limit what students will learn. Excluding world history limits students to one way of thinking. Taking out world cultures means missing out on the beauty of the differences that human beings share around the world. This is also a condensed version of history that casts the Christian Texan in a more positive light, as if Texans had never committed any wrongdoing. As they meet people outside of Texas and from other countries, they may notice the apprehension others feel when talking with them.
Parents can save Texas education by speaking up about what their child is learning. If they bring a reader home that outlines history in a way that makes them uncomfortable, share it. Parents should not accept that their children are reading content that does not paint the full story of the past.
The State Board of Education consists of elected officials. There can be accountability. Because facts matter. And Texas education is worth saving. The State Board of Education, with a 10-5 Republican majority, will shape education for years to come, and Texans cannot afford to stay quiet.
*Stay tuned for educational blogs where I share insights from my 15 years in public education, including as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. I also have the added perspective of conducting an educational study for my doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership.
The next post will be about the effects of STAAR testing in Texas schools.
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