Responses to Texas Council for the Social Studies Questionnaire: 

Gustavo Reveles, District 1 

What makes you passionate about serving on the State Board of Education? 

Serving on the SBOE would allow me to represent marginalized student populations in the body designed to create learning standards and approve instructional materials they will use in the public school they attend. More and more, the SBOE has members who wish to diminish the educational experience of minorities in Texas. 

What do quality Social Studies standards look like? 

They should include a comprehensive look into each and every experience in the Texas landscape.  The social studies curriculum should celebrate the contributions of all Texans and not shy away from important events that may be considered controversial just to avoid uncomfortable conversations. These conversations can be had in a way that is educational and inclusive. 

What changes would you like to see in the current Social Studies framework and standards? 

I’d like to reverse any decision made by the SBOE that portray historical events in a way that is inaccurate or dismissive. Additionally, any attempt at incorporating a specific religious view in the curriculum needs to be reversed. 

What gaps or problems do you think need to be addressed as the State Board begins the TEKS revisions process? 

The TEKS continues to be detrimental to learning styles connected to ethic, racial and linguistic minorities.  The state curriculum needs to first acknowledge these gaps and then develop ways to close them. 

What does a good Social Studies state assessment look like?

A good assessment acknowledges the need to incorporate all experiences connected to the state.  That means ethnic, racial, gender, sexual minorities and other marginalized groups that have had a hand in the social development of the state need to be reflected.  

If or when you meet with social studies educators, what questions would you ask them in order to better inform your role or decisions in the State Board? 

Are you an educator or academic professional who deals with social studies instruction in an every-day manner? Do you feel comfortable putting aside your political views in the development of the curriculum? 

Michael Stevens, District 1

What makes you passionate about serving on the State Board of Education? 

As an educator, serving on the State Board of Education ignites my passion for several compelling reasons. Firstly, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. We need a rigorous curriculum that meets the learning needs of all students, providing them with the necessary skills to be successful after graduation. 

Secondly, I am driven by the opportunity to contribute my experience and education to the development of educational policy and curriculum. This role would allow me to advocate for innovative teaching methods and the integration of new technologies that can enhance learning experiences and outcomes for students.

Additionally, I am passionate about supporting teachers and educational staff by working to provide them with the resources and professional development they need to succeed. Teachers are at the heart of education and empowering them directly contributes to student success.

What do quality Social Studies standards look like? 

To me, quality Social Studies standards are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of historical, geographical, political, economic, and cultural contexts. Standards should cover a wide range of topics including history, geography, civics, economics, and cultures from both local and global perspectives. This ensures students gain a well-rounded understanding of the world and its complexities.

The standards should also encourage students to think critically about information, analyze sources, and differentiate between facts and opinions. This helps students to develop skills in evaluating the credibility of information through research and forming evidence-based conclusions.

Finally, quality standards need to emphasize the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural diversity, encouraging students to respect and empathize with different perspectives and experiences, while preparing students to be informed and engaged citizens who can contribute positively to their communities.

What changes would you like to see in the current Social Studies framework and standards? 

I would like to see the following changes in the current Social Studies framework and standards: 

1. Inclusion of Diverse Perspectives: The curriculum should include a wider range of voices, particularly those from marginalized communities, to provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of history and society. 

2. Emphasis on Critical Thinking Skills: Rather than focusing solely on memorization of facts, the framework should prioritize critical analysis and reasoning skills. This approach can help students better understand historical events and contemporary issues in a nuanced way.

3. Integration of Current Events: Connecting historical content to current global and local events can make the material more relevant and engaging. This integration can help students see the practical application of what they learn and understand the ongoing impact of historical events.

4. Interdisciplinary Approach: Social Studies should be taught in conjunction with other subjects like science, literature, and art to show the interconnectedness of human knowledge and experience. This can encourage students to make connections across different areas of learning.

5. Focus on Civic Engagement: Encouraging active participation in civic life should be a key component of social studies education. This could include lessons on how government works, the importance of voting, and ways to be an informed citizen.

By implementing these changes, the Social Studies framework and standards can become more inclusive, engaging, and effective in preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.

What gaps or problems do you think need to be addressed as the State Board begins the TEKS revisions process? 

The gaps and problems that I think need to be addressed, coincide with the adjustments I feel would bring positive change to the current Social Studies curriculum. 

I feel that there is a gap when it comes to reflecting diverse perspectives and histories within the curriculum, to include providing students with real world application of the content material. 

I also feel that there is a gap in the incorporation of digital literacy skills and opportunities for students to utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

For teachers, I feel that there is a gap when it comes to providing adequate support and professional development, so they have the tools and resources to effectively implement new standards in the classroom.

In my opinion, addressing these issues will help create a more relevant and effective educational framework that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.

What does a good Social Studies state assessment look like?

A good Social Studies assessment is comprehensive, multifaceted, and designed to evaluate a student's understanding and skills in a meaningful way.

Assessments should be directly aligned with the learning objectives and standards of the curriculum, incorporate various assessment methods, such as multiple-choice questions, essays, projects, presentations, and discussions. 

Social Studies assessments should challenge students to think critically, analyze information, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This might include interpreting historical documents, evaluating political arguments, or comparing economic systems.

Social Studies assessments that include these elements can effectively gauge student comprehension, encourage critical thinking, and prepare students for active and informed citizenship.

If or when you meet with social studies educators, what questions would you ask them in order to better inform your role or decisions in the State Board? 

When meeting with social studies educators, I feel that it would be crucial to ask questions that will provide me with insights into their experiences, challenges, and perspectives. Specifically, I would want to ask the following questions:

1. How do you feel the current social studies curriculum aligns with the needs and interests of your students? 

2. What resources do you find most effective in teaching social studies, and are there any additional resources you wish were available?

3. What strategies have you found successful in engaging students in social studies, and what are some challenges you face in maintaining their interest?

4. How do you assess student understanding and critical thinking in social studies? Are there any alternative assessment methods you would like to see implemented?

5. What types of professional development opportunities do you find most beneficial, and are there any areas where you feel more training is needed?

6. What improvements are needed in regard to incorporating diverse perspectives and cultures into social studies TEKS, and what support do you need to enhance this aspect of teaching?

7. How has technology impacted your teaching of social studies, and what tools or platforms do you find most useful?

By asking these questions, I feel that I could gain valuable insights into what changes teachers feel are needed in the current Social Studies curriculum. 

Raquel Saenz Ortiz, District 10 

What makes you passionate about serving on the State Board of Education? 

I am a lifelong educator, having started my teaching career as a 6th grade Social Studies teacher in South Texas. Since then, I have taught middle and high school Social Studies/History, as well as worked as a guidance counselor and school administrator. I now teach pre-service teachers at the college level, as a professor of Education at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. Through this role, I am constantly in classrooms and have been able to see the current struggles of teachers, in being overworked and additionally stressed by trying to interpret legislation and understand how this impacts how they should teach. I am passionate about ensuring that teachers' voices are centered in the decisions made by the SBOE, as well as ensuring that TEKS and instructional materials are historically accurate, represent diverse perspectives, and promote critical thinking skills. 

What do quality Social Studies standards look like? 

I have taught and written state Social Studies standards in both TX and MA. The MA standards were restructured in 2018 to focus much more on social studies skills and provide essential questions to guide more project-based units. I found this structure to be much more effective in making space for teachers to make content more applicable to students' lives. Civic education also plays a key role in the MA standards at all grade levels, which is essential in promoting strong citizenship skills. I believe that centering civic education, critical thinking skills, and application of knowledge in the standards is essential to having quality standards, while also ensuring that they are written accessibly and structured in the way that they will typically be taught.

What changes would you like to see in the current Social Studies framework and standards? 

As noted above, I would love to see the Social Studies standards reworked in a way that centers skills and application of knowledge more. In addition, it is essential to include civic education and diverse perspectives. I would like to see Senate Bill 3 reversed to ensure that more diverse perspectives are incorporated in the Social Studies curriculum, to the highlight the complexities of history and the role that Americans of all races and ethnicities have played in shaping our country. As a former History teacher, I believe that one of the beauties of learning history is understanding our past to shape a better future. 

What gaps or problems do you think need to be addressed as the State Board begins the TEKS revisions process? 

I have served on the Social Studies TEKS work groups in the past and there is not much time or structure provided in revising the TEKS. Other states' (include MA) standards are provided as models, but there is not time provided to fully restructure the TEKS. It would be essential to extend this time (ideally providing some sort of compensation for work group members), as well as provide a base structure to follow (i.e. recommending that the structure follow the model of states with a more successful educational systems). In addition, there needs to be a transparent and consistent process as to when standards are revised. 

What does a good Social Studies state assessment look like?

I believe that good Social Studies assessment should include assessment of writing skills and critical thinking skills, as well as key content knowledge. Within summative assessment, this could be through projects where students are able to apply skills or more typical assessments. 

If or when you meet with social studies educators, what questions would you ask them in order to better inform your role or decisions in the State Board? 

I would ask Social Studies teachers the following questions to inform my role: What current challenges do you have with the existing Social Studies standards? What do you like about the current standards? What changes are important to be made in improving the standards? What instructional materials and open education resources would be most effective in your teaching? 

Pam Little, District 12

What makes you passionate about serving on the State Board of Education? 

Providing opportunities for student success

What do quality Social Studies standards look like? 

Teaching the truth of what happened in our history without a political bias.

What changes would you like to see in the current Social Studies framework and standards? 

The framework needs to be determined before a review of the standards.  Suggestion K-2 thematic, grade 3 ancient civilization, grade 4 Texas History, grade 5 US history, grade 6 world cultures, grade 7 Texas history, grade 8 US history.  Standards at lower grades need more content.  Condense the number of strands.

What gaps or problems do you think need to be addressed as the State Board begins the TEKS revisions process? 

The framework - see above

What does a good Social Studies state assessment look like?

One that reflects vocabulary and content from the TEKS.

If or when you meet with social studies educators, what questions would you ask them in order to better inform your role or decisions in the State Board? 

I would want to know more about their concerns with the STAAR test.  Also what are some problems they have encountered with the TEKS and how can they be resolved.

George King, District 12

What makes you passionate about serving on the State Board of Education? 

After 40 years of service in public education as a classroom teacher and campus principal, I want to continue my service in education at the state government level.  While curriculum, learning materials and teacher support have always been a passion, the issues facing the current SBOE are compelling!  Important decisions lie ahead with curriculum, learning materials, teacher certification and graduation standards.  I want to share my leadership and expertise in making these decisions.  

What do quality Social Studies standards look like? 

Student outcomes are clear, attainable, and promote student collaboration.  

Standards should adapt to changing information to remain relevant and accurate.  

Should have quantifiable and measurable objectives and learning targets.

Should promote the development of critical thinking skills.  

Should include engaging instructional materials.

Should promote civic engagement.  

What changes would you like to see in the current Social Studies framework and standards? 

The current framework is comprehensive and has evolved towards inclusivity, engagement and civic mindedness over time.  I support considering changes that have been put forward by teachers, local school district curriculum departments as well as your own Texas Council for Social Studies.  

What gaps or problems do you think need to be addressed as the State Board begins the TEKS revisions process? 

Protect the TEKS from changes that are driven by politics, ideology, and/or bigotry!  TEKS revision must be focused on accuracy, comprehensiveness and truth.  

What does a good Social Studies state assessment look like?

Should be aligned with learning objectives.

Should be fair with no discriminatory bias.  

Should promote critical thinking.

Should ask students to analyze, synthesize and evaluate.

Should be inclusive of various learning styles.

Should be engaging and aligned with real world problems.  

If or when you meet with social studies educators, what questions would you ask them in order to better inform your role or decisions in the State Board? 

What instructional materials should the SBOE consider for approval that best support and enhance the current TEKS?  

Has teaching and learning been impacted by the 2021 HB 3979- better known as the anti- CRT bill?  

What might we add to be more inclusive of various cultures and perspectives?  

For more information on the candidates, check out the following websites:  https://www.vote411.org/plan-your-vote - Enter your address and you can see information about all the candidates in your district.  https://www.texastribune.org/2024/10/18/texas-state-board-of-education-races-2024/ for an overview of the competitive races  https://ballotpedia.org/Texas_State_Board_of_Education_election,_2024  https://teachthevote.atpe.org/races