Texas Civics Training Programs Implementation

Overview

Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.4555, as amended by Senate Bill (SB) 3, 87th Texas Legislature, Second Called Session, 2021, directs the commissioner to develop Civics Training Programs for teachers and administrators to facilitate the teaching of civics curriculum aligned with requirements in TEC, §28.002(h-2) and §28.0022.

Civics Training Programs build administrators' and teachers' expertise by strengthening the skills and knowledge Texas educators need to cultivate informed American patriotism in students and to lead close study of the founding documents of the United States and Texas.

State law requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to review and approve each civics training program. In February 2026, the SBOE approved content for civics training to be delivered to elementary school staff.

Training Structure

The civics training will be delivered as a two-day in-person training (total of 12 hours of content) using content in a learning management system (LMS).

During the training, attendees will build a factual foundation for the teaching of civics through the close study of primary sources, focusing on the fundamental moral, political, entrepreneurial, and intellectual pillars of the American experiment in self-government. Participants will analyze the founding documents of the United States and the history, traditions, and features of civic engagement that define our national heritage. By mastering strategies for civil discourse, media literacy, and simulations of governmental processes, educators will depart equipped with the professional tools to lead classroom and campus instruction that fosters a commitment to and an appreciation of the United States and its exceptional form of government.

Participants who complete the training and demonstrate mastery through embedded assessments will receive a certificate of completion. A record will be kept of campus compliance with this statutory requirement.

As required by TEC, §21.4555, each campus must ensure that at least one teacher and one principal or campus instructional leader attend civics training.

Training attendees will receive guidance on campus-level follow-up after completing the training.

Implementation Timeline

Civics training will begin with elementary campuses in summer 2026. TEA encourages each elementary campus to designate a teacher who teaches social studies or has strong knowledge of social studies to attend the civics training. School districts are encouraged to have elementary school designees (both principal and teacher) complete the training in summer 2026, as required mathematics achievement academies will begin in summer 2027.

Civics training for secondary campuses will begin in summer 2027, pending approval from the SBOE of the secondary civics training content.

Regional education service centers (ESCs) are responsible for scheduling and delivering Civics Training Program sessions for their regions. Contact your ESC for information regarding upcoming training opportunities.

Teacher Stipend

Pursuant to TEC, §21.4555(f), classroom teachers who complete a Civics Training Program may receive a $600 stipend. To be eligible for the stipend, a teacher must complete training outside the days or hours of service included in the term of the teacher’s contract.

For More Information

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Texas Civics Training Program web page.