SBOEs Miller says concerns mounting over attempt to eliminate Christmas
(Austin) This weeks State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting agenda includes two issues that have already gained nationwide coverage. First is adoption of the updated Social Studies TEKS. Second a determination of how much influence the SBOE can wield over new legislation allowing students to take more electives putting fewer restrictions on what classes can fulfill graduation requirements.
The new social studies curricula have been a topic of debate since March when it can to light that individualism free enterprise system and personal responsibility had already been replaced or removed in the initial update efforts constructed by
Texas Education Agency (TEA) approved writing teams.
Most recently concerns have mounted over an attempt to eliminate the mention of Christmas from the middle school social studies textbooks.
The SBOE has supported maintaining traditional American values as part of the curriculum but the debate continues around exactly which references will be retained or included over others.
This country was founded on Judeo-Christian values so there is no reason why we shouldnt maintain the most popular Christian holiday in our school curricula" said Geraldine Tincy" Miller
SBOE member for District 12.
As we consider these changes we must also be mindful to fairly and accurately include events and people that have influenced our country over the past four decades" Miller said.
An equally controversial issue surrounds new legislation that lawmakers passed last May. According to the new law students can take up to seven electives.
Previously only two electives could count toward the 26 credits required for graduation. The SBOE is set to consider suggestions to limit the number of elective credits students can take in addition to bringing back health speech and technology to the elective course schedule.
This legislation chips away at the strides we made through No Pass No Play when I first came on the Board in 1984" Miller said.
Allowing students to take seven PE credits makes it too easy for students to avoid tougher classes which will help them get into college and succeed academically. If there are no limits on the number of PE credits academic standards in Texas high schools could decline" Said Miller.
The
Texas State Board of Education meeting will take place this week from Wednesday September 16 through Friday September 18.
Discussion of the Social Studies TEKS will take place on Thursday September 17 at 9 a.m. and High School Graduation Requirements will be taken up on Wednesday September 16 at 1 p.m.
