Texas is rewriting its K–12 social studies curriculum with a new "comprehensive" framework that increases emphasis on Texas and U.S. history and requires instruction on the "perils of communism," according to reporting on the State Board of Education's recent decision.
What Changed
The board approved the plan in September by an 8-7 vote. The framework — favored by conservative board members — adopts a chronological approach to history, raises the share of Texas history in the curriculum, and eliminates standalone world cultures courses.
Under the revised standards, the curriculum will focus more on Texas history and U.S. history rather than world history and cultures.
Key structural shifts include:
- Third grade will begin with the "birth of Western civilizations."
- Eighth grade will become a Texas-history-only capstone course.
- Standalone world cultures courses will be removed under the new sequence.
Requirement To Teach About Communism
The revised standards were rewritten to align with a recently passed state law that explicitly requires students to learn about the dangers of communism. Under the new guidance, lessons must cover "atrocities attributable to communist regimes," including the Cambodian genocide and violence connected to guerrilla movements in Latin America, and must address the broader oppression and suffering experienced by people living under such regimes.
State Democrats raised concerns about the new curriculum, with one state lawmaker saying it reduces representation of Black and Hispanic Texans.
The curriculum must also include discussion of contemporary threats that communist governments and ideologies may pose to the United States and its allies.
Reactions And Concerns
Democratic members of the State Board of Education raised concerns that the overhaul will reduce representation of diverse peoples and delay instruction about nonwhite and marginalized communities until later grades. They argued the changes could make lessons harder for teachers to explain and could limit early exposure to histories that reflect students' identities.
"Looking at this storytelling thing, when do people that look like me get to learn about themselves before the fifth grade?" said Staci Childs (D–Houston), expressing concern for Black and Hispanic students on the board.
Board Chair Rep. Aaron Kinsey (R–Midland) and other board members who supported the framework said the changes create a consistent, chronological approach to history education statewide. Fox News Digital reached out to the Texas State Board of Education, Rep. Kinsey, and Staci Childs for comment.
When It Takes Effect
The new standards are scheduled to take effect in the fall of 2030.
