ICYMI: Public comment open window for Social Studies and literary lists until June 15

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On May 15, the SBOE opened the official public comment window for the proposals that were voted on at its April meeting. Last week, we included a call to comment on the proposed literary lists; but wait, there’s more! The SBOE is also completely dismantling social studies. Read about the SBOE Proposed Rules here

At the April SBOE meeting, Texas AFT supported our allies that testified that the proposed standards erased the contributions of peoples of color and non-Western civilizations throughout history. We also testified that this type of wholesale revision would be expensive to implement, requiring entirely new instructional materials and significant professional development.

Further, the proposed chronological framework is not based on research or been tested as an effective means of instruction. The SBOE’s appointed content advisors have claimed an outsize role in the creation of the standards over experienced educators, historians, and other stakeholders.  

We urge you to submit your comments via the TEA website and to contact your SBOE representative to provide direct feedback. The public comment window is open from now through June 15.