We are at a turning point in the future of social studies education in Texas.

In June, the State Board of Education (SBOE) released two proposed K–8 social studies framework options. Soon after, we surveyed our members to gather feedback. The results were clear: the proposals did not have broad support among social studies educators.

A total of 116 educators responded to the survey, offering both concerns and constructive suggestions for improvement. Among the strongest themes we heard:

• A desire to embed Texas history into U.S. history rather than teach it in isolation

• Stronger foundations in world history and world geography

• More emphasis on civics education

• Careful attention to developmental appropriateness

TXCSS members are also concerned about the lack of transparency and educator input in developing the SBOE’s proposed frameworks. In addition, weaving World History, U.S. History, and Texas History simultaneously could create unnecessary confusion and instructional challenges, including an overemphasis on more content that will impede instruction in historical thinking skills. Because the proposals represent a complete overhaul of the current K–8 framework, they would require significant new investments of time, money, and resources for teacher training and materials. Finally, we question how this model would adequately serve students in high-mobility districts, who may transfer mid-sequence and miss critical years of content.

TXCSS Proposes an Alternative Framework 

We spoke directly with SBOE members to better understand their priorities and collaborated with other history-focused organizations. The result of this input and collaboration is a new alternative framework, which Board Member Pam Little will present for the Board’s consideration in September.

This framework is not a perfect solution, nor will it satisfy every perspective. But it represents both progress and compromise, designed through collaboration between educators, content experts, and stakeholders. It balances what we know is best for students with what we anticipate will be acceptable to SBOE members.

The  framework is a skeleton, its success will depend on how the TEKS themselves are written, as well as the support provided to teachers through resources, guidance, and professional learning.

What We Gain with This Framework

Despite challenges, this proposal offers several key strengths:

• Preservation of 6th Grade World Cultures, an essential window into global perspectives

• A full year of World History in 5th Grade, introducing students to democratic ideas, civilizations, world religions, and revolutions before middle school

• An integrated 7th–8th Grade U.S. and Texas History sequence, helping students see Texas history in context

• Stronger foundations in civics education, with a new Foundations of Constitutional Democracy course

• A streamlined five-strand structure, reducing redundancy and supporting more coherent instruction

• A spiraled curriculum, building meaningfully from K–8 in both content and complexity

Why It Matters

Without unity from our professional community, we risk losing the chance to influence what comes next. Speaking together, we can elevate the voices of educators across Texas. 

How You Can Get Involved

Here are concrete ways to make your voice heard:

1. Contact your SBOE representative: Personalized messages from constituents are powerful. [Here’s an email template you can customize.] 

   1. Find your SBOE representative here: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home 

   2. Contact information is available here: https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-board-members/sboe-members 

2. Testify in Austin: Sign up to speak at the SBOE meeting during the week of September 8–12. The full agenda will likely be posted a week before. We understand that Social Studies will likely be discussed on September 8, at 1 pm. 

3. Sign up for public comment here, starting on September 2nd: https://sboe.texas.gov/about-tea/leadership/state-board-of-education/sboe-meetings/public-testimony-registration  Here are key talking points you can use in crafting your 2-minute comments.