Texas education board approves controversial school curriculum changes
Texas approves changes to high school history curriculum
Texas education leaders have approved a new social studies curriculum for high school students, with changes being made to how the history of Islam and Christianity are taught. FOX 4's Amelia Jones has more.
AUSTIN, Texas - The State Board of Education gave final approval to changes to Texas' high school social studies curriculum. The changes involve how students will learn about Islam and Christianity.
The revised social studies curriculum covers U.S. history, government and world geography.
Texas Board of Education approves changes
What we know:
The board made some tweaks, but ultimately approved the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
This comes after dozens of people signed up for public testimony, the majority voicing their opposition to the revised curriculum.
Muslim advocates raise concerns over Islam curriculum wording
What they're saying:
Many Muslim speakers voiced concerns over the wording used to explain early Islam. One specific point many brought up was the explanation of early Islam focused on military campaigns, slavery and female captives.
The board also approved language saying that "radical Islam" motivated the 9/11 attacks, instead of more narrowly focusing on the terrorist groups behind the attack.
Board vote splits along party lines
Dig deeper:
Over the week of discussion, several Democratic school board members spoke up over the wording, but the Republican-majority board did approve each section on Friday.
School board member Julie Pickren called the approval a huge accomplishment.
"This social studies law that got us here, I've been working on for over 10 years with the House and the Senate, the Texas House and Texas Senate ... and so this is such a huge accomplishment; this vote kind of bookends 12 years of life's work," Pickren said.
Several organizations held a press conference on Monday, voicing their opposition to the curriculum.
Texas Board of Education considers religious influence and framing in curriculum overhaul
Texas education leaders are debating controversial proposed high school social studies standards that emphasize America's biblical roots while framing early Islam around military conflict.
2030 Implementation Timeline
What's next:
FOX 4 reached out to several of them after the vote, but we have not heard back at this hour.
The approved lesson plans are expected to be phased into classrooms during the 2030-31 school year.
The Source: Information in this article was provided by FOX 4's Amelia Jones.