The Battle Over Texas Education: State Board of Education Races and Curriculum Changes

State Board of Education Elections Could Shape History Curriculum for Texas and Beyond

As the November 8 election approaches, the races for seats on the State Board of Education in Texas are gaining attention for their potential impact on history education. The outcome of these races could determine how children learn about crucial topics such as evolution, sex education, and racial issues not only in Texas but also across the United States.

Journalist Grace Lynch, host of the podcast “Teaching Texas,” has delved into the influence of religious activists and politicians on the state’s education system. From the efforts of figures like Mel and Norma Gabler in the 1960s to the more recent debates over social studies standards, Lynch’s podcast highlights the complex and often contentious nature of curriculum decisions.

One of the key issues at stake in the upcoming elections is the revision of history teaching standards for kindergarten through eighth grade. Proposed changes have sparked debates over topics such as the treatment of Indigenous people, the inclusion of LGBTQ rights history, and the use of terms like “indigenous” in the curriculum.

Educators have expressed concerns about the political pressures shaping these revisions, particularly in light of Senate Bill 3, which restricts how certain historical events and concepts can be taught in schools. The law has raised fears among teachers about addressing challenging topics in the classroom and has led to calls for more meaningful input from educators in the curriculum development process.

The proposed changes to the history curriculum have also faced criticism from some lawmakers and advocacy groups, who argue that the new standards may undermine concepts like American exceptionalism and Judeo-Christian values. The debate over the inclusion of world religions and cultural practices in the curriculum has further fueled political tensions surrounding the revisions.

Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the proposed changes, the State Board of Education has decided to delay the revisions until 2025 to allow for more teacher input and ensure compliance with existing laws. The outcome of the upcoming elections for board members will play a crucial role in shaping the future of history education in Texas and beyond.

As the state with significant influence over the nation’s textbooks, Texas’s curriculum decisions have far-reaching implications for students across the country. The upcoming elections for the State Board of Education will determine the direction of history education in Texas and could impact how children learn about key historical events and issues for years to come.