Open-Source Classroom Materials: Nations Oldest Hispanic Rights Groups Urge Perry to Allow Public Review

InsiderTV Exclusive Report SAN ANTONIO At a San Antonio press conference Thursday the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) & the American G.I. Forum warned that rules adopted by Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott for adoption of Open-Source textbook material threaten or prevent public participation in the textbook review process and potentially expose Texas to lawsuits because certain parts of the state will not have equal access to online content.   The nations two oldest Hispanic civil rights groups are calling on Gov. Perry to ensure that the public has the opportunity to fully review and comment on all Open-Source" textbook material before it is approved for use by Texas schoolchildren. Texas schoolchildren could end up being taught with material that no one has seen or critically reviewed" said LULAC National President Rosa Rosales. Recently approved open-source legislation allows Commissioner Scott to approve for sale to Texas school districts instructional material that neither the State Board of Education nor the public has had a chance to review for suitability and alignment with curriculum standards. Some of that material may be available for school districts to purchase as early as March. The civil rights groups also urged Texas State Board of Education to adopt social studies instructional material that properly recognizes the contribution Hispanics have made to Texas and the nation. Latinos make up 40 percent of Texas and many historical Latino figures have made invaluable contributions to the state of Texas. Unfortunately many of these historical Latino figures will not be included in the new social studies curriculum" President Rosales said. Lets make our social studies curriculum relevant for all Texas schoolchildren" she said. Click here for video coverage of the press conference.