Texas State Board of Education to Vote on Social Studies Standards

Public urged to testify at upcoming meeting on April 7

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:48am

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A dynamic, fragmented painting of an open book with pages in motion, conveying the contested nature of social studies standards in Texas.As Texas debates its social studies curriculum, the public has a chance to shape the future of history and civics education in the state.Austin Today

The Texas State Board of Education is set to hold a first reading and vote on new social studies standards for K-12 students next week. Advocacy groups are calling on the public to sign up and testify at the April 7 meeting to ensure the standards reflect a 'healthy appreciation for Texas and America'.

Why it matters

The social studies curriculum in Texas public schools has been a contentious issue, with debates over how topics like the role of religion, historical figures, and America's founding are presented. This upcoming vote represents an opportunity for the public to weigh in on the direction of social studies education in the state.

The details

At the last SBOE meeting in February, there were concerns raised about proposed standards, such as not correctly attributing the Ten Commandments to Moses and suggesting Islam had an influence on the Alamo. Advocacy groups say these issues have been resolved in the new draft, but other areas still need improvement. The public is being urged to testify at the April 7 meeting to ensure religious freedom and American history are properly represented in the standards.

  • The SBOE meeting will be held on April 7 at 8 a.m.
  • The deadline to register to testify at the meeting is this Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m.

The players

Texas State Board of Education

The governing body responsible for setting curriculum standards for Texas public schools.

Texas Values

A conservative Christian advocacy group providing recommendations on the social studies standards.

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What’s next

The SBOE is expected to hold a final vote on the new social studies standards after the April 7 meeting.

The takeaway

The upcoming SBOE vote on social studies standards represents an important battleground in the ongoing debate over how history, government, and other civic topics are taught in Texas public schools. The public has an opportunity to make their voices heard on these issues.