Concerns raised as Texas Board of Education considers Social Studies overhaul

February 26, 2026 - 22:02

A proposed overhaul of Texas's social studies standards is drawing significant criticism from educators and academics, who warn the rushed process could lead to the omission of pivotal historical events and figures. The Texas State Board of Education is currently reviewing drafts of the new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), with a final vote anticipated in November.

Opponents of the current draft argue that the proposed standards inadequately address the histories and contributions of minority groups, including Hispanic, Black, and Native American communities. Specific concerns include reduced emphasis on the Civil Rights Movement, the legacy of slavery, and the experiences of Mexican Americans in Texas history. Furthermore, critics state that the proposed curriculum frameworks could limit students' critical thinking by focusing more on rote memorization than analysis.

Many teachers and historians are calling for the board to slow its approval timeline, insisting that more expert input and public review are necessary to ensure the standards are both comprehensive and rigorous. They contend that a hurried revision risks creating a curriculum that fails to prepare students with a full and accurate understanding of state, national, and world history. The board's decisions will impact millions of public school students for the next decade, making the stakes of the debate exceptionally high.