A major decision is unfolding in Texas that could shape what millions of students learn in the classroom, including how topics like slavery, religion, and American history are taught.
The Texas State Board of Education is in the process of rewriting the state’s social studies curriculum, known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS.
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These standards determine what students are taught in history, civics, economics, and geography from elementary school through high school.
Right now, the proposed standards are still in draft form.
That means:
• Board members are reviewing the language
• Advisors have submitted feedback and revisions
• The public is now weighing in before a final vote
This week’s meeting in Austin is one of the last chances for people across the state to speak directly to decision-makers before the process moves forward.
The draft suggests a shift in how history is structured.
There is a stronger emphasis on U.S. and Texas history, taught in chronological order, starting in early grades.
At the same time, some reviewers have raised concerns that:• Global history may receive less attention• Topics outside Western civilization could be reduced• Geography and world cultures may not be as deeply covered
One of the most closely watched parts of the draft is how difficult topics are explained, especially to younger students.
In early grade levels, reviewers have pointed out that slavery is described in more general terms, such as “unfair treatment based on race,” without detailed explanation of forced labor and violence.
Critics argue that this could minimize the severity of slavery if not expanded upon as students move through higher grades.
Others say younger students require simplified explanations, with more detailed instruction introduced later.
There are also concerns about how other historical events are covered.
Some reviewers say topics like Japanese internment camps during World War II could be reduced or removed from certain grade levels, while others argue the standards still allow flexibility in how teachers present those lessons.
Religion is another major point of discussion.
The draft includes references to religion as part of historical instruction, particularly when teaching about the founding of the United States and Western civilization.
Some reviewers have raised concerns that the standards may place a stronger emphasis on Christianity, including references that describe the U.S. as having roots as a Christian nation.
Supporters of the draft say religion is a key part of history and should be included to help students understand historical events and cultural development.
Others argue public schools must be careful to present religion in a balanced way that reflects the diversity of beliefs in Texas.
Beyond specific topics, some advisors reviewing the draft say the standards may be too broad in some areas and too limited in others.
Feedback highlights:• Heavy emphasis on Western and American perspectives• Limited coverage of regions like Africa, Asia, and the Middle East• Concerns about removing or reducing certain historical topics
At the same time, others argue that the draft improves clarity by focusing on key historical concepts and organizing them in a more structured way.
There is also disagreement over how the draft is being developed.
Some educators and advocacy groups say the timeline is moving quickly, pointing out that the public had limited time to review lengthy documents before providing feedback.
State officials and board members say the process follows established guidelines and includes input from more than 100 educators, parents, and community members across Texas.
The impact of these decisions could extend beyond the state.
Texas is one of the largest textbook markets in the country, meaning curriculum changes here can influence how textbooks are written and used nationwide.
The board is expected to hear public testimony during this week’s meeting in Austin.
After that:• A public comment period will follow• Board members will review feedback• A final vote is expected later this year
If approved, the new standards would be implemented in classrooms in the coming years.
For parents and students, this process will help determine how history and social studies are taught in Texas schools.
From how slavery is explained… to how religion is discussed… to which parts of history are emphasized… the decisions made in this process could shape classroom learning for years to come.