Texas State Board of Education

Congratulations to Olivia Joseph, kindergarten teacher at Howard Norman Elementary School in Hutto ISD, on being recognized as the Texas recipient of the 2025–26 Milken Educator Award! Thank you for inspiring the next generation of Texans through your passion for teaching.

The State Board of Education Celebrates the 2026 Student Heroes! Learn more about these outstanding student volunteers: bit.ly/3QGLl0g

As our nation marks its 250th birthday, the SBOE wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day!

Commissioner Morath statement on the new Social Studies Standards and Required Literature Reading List

PRESS RELEASE: Texas SBOE Adopts New Social Studies Standards and Required Literature Reading List ⬇️

Texas State Board of Education Adopts New Social Studies Standards and Required Literature Reading List Landmark curriculum overhaul to deliver chronological history education and increased literacy rigor across Texas public schools AUSTIN, Texas — June 26, 2026 — The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) today voted to adopt new social studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and a required literature reading list, marking a transformative shift in how Texas students will learn history and literature. A Chronological Approach to History The newly adopted social studies TEKS are structured around a chronological framework, giving students the foundational knowledge and context needed to think critically about the past. By following history in sequence, students can observe how one event led to another — building a deeper, more coherent understanding of the forces that shaped the modern world. Students will understand the arc of America becoming a more perfect union. SBOE Chairman Aaron Kinsey praised the new standards: "Students will finally get the full story. This is how historians work. Students can trace the development of liberty, self-government, free enterprise, and constitutional principles across generations. Students will see how people, ideas, events, and institutions influenced one another across time rather than studying them as separate topics." The new TEKS emphasize understanding why people, events, and ideas mattered and how they shaped the world — moving away from an approach that overwhelmed students with disconnected lists of names, dates, and events, resulting in generations of students who do not know the greatness of America or its greatest state, Texas. Texas History Capstone in 8th Grade A centerpiece of the new standards is a Texas history capstone course in 8th grade. The course tells the story of Texas from its founding through the present day, with a particular focus on how Enlightenment principles shaped the Texas Constitution and the state's founding ideals. Required Literature Reading List In response to a mandate from the Texas State Legislature to increase literacy rigor statewide, the SBOE also adopted a required literature reading list. The Board took a classical approach — selecting enduring works that have stood the test of time — ensuring students engage with important literary texts that cross-reference the historical events they are studying in social studies. A Unified Curriculum Vision Together, the new social studies TEKS and required literature reading list represent a unified curriculum designed to raise reading standards and give students a comprehensive understanding of the arc of history — from the rise of Western Civilization to the founding of the United States and the ongoing American experiment in self-government. #TXSBOE #TXLEGE #TXED @TXSBOE

Let's celebrate those who go above and beyond for Texas public school students! Nominate an outstanding volunteer who generously gives their time to support our schools and students. Submit your nominations by July 3: bit.ly/4lAbJ5I

Registration for public testimony for the SBOE Regular Meeting closes tomorrow, June 19, at 5 p.m. To register, visit bit.ly/47vJBMo.

Instructional materials submitted for IMRA Cycle 2026 are now open for public review. Texas educators, parents and community members can review materials and share feedback through July 31, 2026. Submit comments: bit.ly/4ds2wtx

The State Board of Education will convene for its regular meeting June 22-26, 2026. View the full agenda on the SBOE website: bit.ly/4cfl3d9. Registration for public testimony is now open. To register, visit bit.ly/47vJBMo.

The public comment period for the proposed new K-12 Social Studies TEKS is open. Members of the public are invited to submit comments by June 15, 2026. To review the proposed TEKS and submit comments, visit: bit.ly/4afKIRG.

The public comment period for the proposed literary works lists is now open. Members of the public are invited to submit comments by June 15, 2026. To review the proposed literary works lists and submit comments, visit: bit.ly/3R8tQWv.

Today, we remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Public comment is being accepted on the recommended Personal Financial Literacy Courses Proposals. To submit public comments, visit: bit.ly/4dV1BDl.

The public comment period for the proposed new K-12 Social Studies TEKS is now open. To view the proposed TEKS and submit public comments, visit: bit.ly/3R8tQWv.

The public comment period for the proposed literary works lists is now open. To view the proposed new literary works lists and submit public comments, visit: bit.ly/3R8tQWv.

Instructional materials submitted for IMRA Cycle 2026 are now available for public review. Texas educators, parents and community members can review materials and submit comments from May 1 to July 31, 2026. Public Feedback form: bit.ly/4ds2wtx

Nominations open to honor Texas school volunteers who make a lasting impact in Texas public schools! Learn more: bit.ly/4wq9RCG

The SBOE invites parents, educators and publishers to join upcoming focus groups on the IMRA draft quality rubric for Languages Other Than English (LOTE). Your feedback will help shape instructional materials for the IMRA 2027 cycle. Register: bit.ly/4c4BitG

April 24 is the last day to submit nominations for the SBOE’s Student Heroes Award! Don’t miss your chance to recognize an outstanding student making a difference in their school or community. Submit your nomination today! Details: bit.ly/4sxJ9p5