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August 30, 2022 Committee of the Full Board Item 2

Discussion of 19 TAC Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter C, Other Provisions, §74.33, Additional Requirements for Social Studies Classes for Grades 3-12

August 30, 2022

COMMITTEE OF THE FULL BOARD: DISCUSSION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: NO ACTION

SUMMARY: This item provides the opportunity for the board to discuss possible amendments to 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter C, Other Provisions, §74.33, Additional Requirements for Social Studies Classes for Grades 3-12. This item would allow the board to determine if updates to the current rule are needed.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §7.102(c)(4) and §29.907.

TEC, §7.102(c)(4), requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to establish curriculum and graduation requirements.

TEC, §29.907, designates the week in which September 17 falls as Celebrate Freedom Week in public schools.

The full text of statutory citations can be found in the statutory authority section of this agenda.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND JUSTIFICATION: In 2001, the 77th Texas Legislature enacted TEC, §29.907, establishing the week in which September 17 falls as Celebrate Freedom Week. September 17 is recognized as Constitution Day by the federal government. The statute permits the Texas Education Agency and other state agencies to cooperate in the promotion of Celebrate Freedom Week.

The SBOE adopted §74.33 effective December 7, 2003. The rule requires that during Celebrate Freedom week, appropriate instruction concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, be provided in each social studies class in Grades 3-12.

The SBOE is currently considering proposed revisions to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for social studies. The board may determine that an amendment to §74.33 to align with revisions to the social studies TEKS is needed.

Staff Members Responsible:
Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner, Standards and Support Services
Shelly Ramos, Senior Director, Curriculum Standards and Student Support

Attachment:
Text of 19 TAC Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter C, Other Provisions, §74.33, Additional Requirements for Social Studies Classes for Grades 3-12