Civics Training Program

Texas Education Code TEC §21.4555,  as amended by Senate Bill (SB) 3, 87th Texas Legislature, Second 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.

The Civics Training Program  must include training in:

(1)  the essential knowledge and skills for the social studies curriculum related to civic knowledge adopted under TEC §28.002(h-2);

(2)  guided classroom discussion of current events, as appropriate for the grade level and consistent with the restrictions under TEC §28.0022;

(3)  classroom simulations and models of governmental and democratic processes consistent with the requirements and restrictions of Sections TEC §28.002(h-2) and §28.0022;

(4)  media literacy, including instruction on verifying information and sources, identifying and responding to logical fallacies, and identifying propaganda, as appropriate for the grade level and consistent with the restrictions under TEC §28.0022; and

(5) strategies for incorporating civics instruction into subject areas other than social studies.

Overview and Implementation

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

As required by TEC §21.4555, each campus must have at least one teacher and one campus administrator attend civics training. 

Implementation Timeline

Civic training will begin with elementary campuses in summer 2026. TEA strongly encourages each elementary campus to designate a teacher who teaches social studies or has strong knowledge of social studies to attend the civics training. 

Civic training for secondary campuses will begin in summer 2027, pending approval from the State Board of Education (SBOE) of the secondary civic training content.

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

ESC Responsibilities

Each education service center is responsible for the following:

• Identification of regional trainers
• Scheduling of regional trainings
• Management of training registration
• Delivery of regional training
• Maintenance of records related to campuses that have complied with training requirements

Teacher Stipend

Pursuant to TEC §21.4555(f), classroom teachers who complete a Civics Training Program may receive a $600 stipend. Additional details related to stipends will be provided as part of the civics training. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Civics Training Programs Frequently Asked Questions (PDF Document)