Discussion of a New Ethnic Studies Course

April 20, 2017

COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION: DISCUSSION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: NO ACTION

SUMMARY: This item provides an opportunity for the committee to discuss and provide feedback related to the development of a new ethnic studies course.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §7.102(c)(4) and §28.002.

TEC, §7.102(c)(4), requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to establish curriculum and graduation requirements. TEC, §28.002, identifies the subjects of the required curriculum and requires the SBOE to by rule identify the essential knowledge and skills of each subject in the required curriculum that all students should be able to demonstrate and that will be used in evaluating instructional materials and addressed on the state assessment instruments.

BOARD RESPONSE: This item is presented for review and comment.

PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: In January 2014, the SBOE discussed future development of new courses that may satisfy requirements of the Foundation High School Program. At the April 2014 SBOE meeting, the board prioritized the development of a list of new courses.

FUTURE ACTION EXPECTED: At the direction of the committee, development of TEKS for a new ethnic studies course could begin.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: This item was requested by a board member. There are currently state-approved Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for general English language arts and social studies elective courses that allow educators to select specific literary, historical, and cultural topics to address in greater depth. Currently approved TEKS-based courses include Independent Study in English, Special Topics in Social Studies, and Social Studies Advanced Studies.

FISCAL IMPACT: There will be normal business costs associated with this process for the agency, including staff and committee travel, meeting accommodations, solicitation of feedback, and production and dissemination of documents.

PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT: Benefits include a new ethnic studies course option for students.

PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS: Procedural and reporting implications will be assessed after the board gives direction regarding the proposal to bring forward for first reading and filing authorization.

LOCALLY MAINTAINED PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS: Locally maintained paperwork requirements will be assessed after the board gives direction regarding the proposal to bring forward for first reading and filing authorization.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.

ALTERNATIVES: None.

OTHER COMMENTS AND RELATED ISSUES: None.

Staff Members Responsible:
Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner
Standards and Support Services

Shelly Ramos, Senior Director
Curriculum Standards and Student Support

Attachment:
Statutory Citations (PDF, 18KB)