The future of the Texas social studies standards (TEKS) is under consideration today in meetings of the Texas House Higher Education Committee and Senate Higher Education Committee. Legislators are considering two companion bills–HB 3263 by state Rep. Mark Strama (D-Austin) and SB 1348 by state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio)–that would create review [...]

1. Though the final draft of the Texas social studies standards was established in August 2010, critics continue to press for revision in the months leading up to August 2011 when the standards will officially take effect in the state’s public schools. The NAACP and LULAC have filed claims on the basis of bias, discrimination, [...]

1. SBOE Passes Resolution on Religion in Textbooks (pro-Christian, anti-Muslim) – see the full text of the resolution, learn about its origins, and peruse a list of media coverage. 2. Analysts are now weighing in on the final draft of the standards – one finds them not so bad, the ACLU of Texas alleges the [...]

Click here to view an article with the latest controversy in regards Social Studies standards.

The League of Women Voters of El Paso is having a public forum that will focus on the Texas State Board of Education’s policy, influence and direction. Joining for the discussion will be Rene Nuñez (D) and Carlos “Charlie” Garza (R) (candidates for TX State Board of Education District 1), Senator Eliot Shapleigh, Alfredo Borrego [...]

UTEP President Diana Natalicio recognized TEKS Watch’s service to the university and community with the presentation of the UTEP Star Award. The huge impact of the project is a direct result the collective concern and volunteer work of Dr. Keith Erekson, Kelley Akins, Michelle Delgado, Cecilia De Jesus, Sandra Enriquez , Aaron Margolis, Leo Negrete, [...]

Though the final version of the social studies and economics TEKS have been online for nearly a month, many of the issues raised throughout the process have not been resolved. * The Texas State Board of Education is presently considering a resolution warning textbook publishers about “gross pro-Islamic, anti-Christian distortions.” See coverage in the Dallas [...]

In May the Texas State Board of Education adopted its controversial social studies standards (TEKS). The SBOE has released the final draft of the updated TEKS. These will be implemented in Texas schools in the fall of 2011. * Social Studies, http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter113/index.html * Economics, http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter118/index.html Find the latest at TEKSWatch.

In May the Texas State Board of Education adopted its controversial social studies standards (TEKS). 1. Now on the TEKSWatch media coverage page see: * Last-minute statements * Coverage of the hearing * Reactions, spin, and parting shots 2. A color-coded version of the near-final draft of the TEKS was placed online on June 25 [...]