Dear TXCSS Members,
We are at a pivotal moment in the future of social studies education in Texas. The State Board of Education (SBOE) shared two proposed K–8 social studies framework options in June. We conducted a survey of our members in June, which found that these proposals did not have support amongst our community. 116 social studies educators responded to our survey, and shared concerns or suggestions they wanted to see in the K-8 framework.
You shared your thoughts, and we listened. We heard a lot of support for embedding Texas history into U.S. history, more foundational world history and world geography, more foundational civics, and a focus on developmental appropriateness. We also have spoken with some SBOE members to learn more about what they would like to see with TEKS revisions.
We have drafted an alternative proposal for the State Board to consider in September. We believe this new proposed framework represents both significant progress and necessary compromise. This framework wasn’t designed in isolation, it is the result of thoughtful collaboration between educators, content experts, and stakeholders, balancing what we know is best for students with what we anticipate will be acceptable to SBOE members.
We understand that not everyone will agree with every aspect of the proposed framework. Concerns have already been raised about:
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Developmental appropriateness, especially in early grades
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The instructional demands on elementary teachers
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The depth of content knowledge required
These are valid and important issues and we hope to continue supporting educators through future implementation guidance, resource development, and professional learning. Also, the framework is a skeleton. Much of the difficulty or complexity of these courses will be determined by the TEKS written to them.
But here’s what we gain with this framework:
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Preservation of 6th Grade World Cultures, an essential window into global perspectives
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A full year of World History in 5th Grade, exposing students to democratic ideas, civilizations, world religions, and revolutions before middle school
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An integrated 7th–8th Grade U.S. and Texas History sequence, helping students see Texas history in context and not isolation
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Stronger foundations in civics education, with creation of a Foundations of Constitutional Democracy course
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A streamlined five-strand structure that reduces redundancy and supports more coherent instruction
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A spiraled curriculum that builds meaningfully from K–8 in both content and complexity
Without unity from our professional community, we risk losing the opportunity to influence what comes next. The TEA and SBOE could move forward with a framework that lacks global context, weakens historical thinking, or pushes a more ideologically driven agenda. We believe that some members are leaning towards Option 2 (page 23, 3X3X3 model).
Here’s how you can help:
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Read the full proposed framework: Revised Framework
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Provide your feedback: Click here to submit comments or concerns anonymously (by August 29)
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Most importantly: Contact your SBOE representative to voice your support for this framework. Personalized messages from constituents are powerful. You can use this email template and customize your personal message.
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Sign up to speak at the State Board meeting in Austin during the week of September 9-12. We will send out more information when the agenda is published, so we know exactly which day the Board will discuss the social studies framework and when the public can sign up to comment.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please also feel free to reach out to us directly at advocacy@txcss.net. This is a moment for us to stand together. We may not agree on every detail, but we share a commitment to a rigorous, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate social studies education for Texas students. Let’s act together to ensure educators remain the driving force behind what our students learn.
Thanks,
Meghan Dougherty
Co-chair TXCSS Advocacy Committee
advocacy@txcss.net