By: Leach H.B. No. 3403

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to public school curriculum and textbooks.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 28.002(h), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(h) The State Board of Education and each school district shall foster the continuation of the tradition of teaching United States and Texas history and the free enterprise system in regular subject matter and in reading courses and in the adoption of textbooks. A primary purpose of the public school curriculum is to prepare thoughtful, active citizens who understand the importance of patriotism and can function productively in a free enterprise society with appreciation for the basic democratic values of our state and national heritage. In meeting that primary purpose, the SBOE and each school district shall ensure that:

(1) the public school curriculum reflects the importance of patriotism, United States citizenship, and promotes an appreciation for our free enterprise system and basic democratic values;

(2) each historical event addressed in the public school curriculum meets a reasonable test of historical significance, considering the limited amount of time available for instruction;

(3) each controversial issue addressed in the public school curriculum is presented in a balanced manner that reflects multiple viewpoints regarding the issue;

(4) the public school curriculum reflects an overall tone that portrays the United States as a country that has overcome its mistakes and has emerged as the freest, most democratic nation in the history of the world;

(5) the public school curriculum shall include the concept of American Exceptionalism and the Celebrate Freedom Week program;

(6) School district generated and purchased curriculum, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate social studies, must be in compliance with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.

SECTION 2. Section 31.023(a), Education Code, is to read amended as follows:

(a) For each subject and grade level, the State Board of Education shall adopt a list of instructional materials. The list includes each instructional material submitted for the subject and grade level that meets applicable physical specifications adopted by the State Board of Education and contains material covering at least half of the elements of the essential knowledge and skills of the subject and grade level in the student version of the instructional material, as well as in the teacher version of the instructional material, as determined by the State Board of Education under Section 28.002, is consistent with the requirements applicable to curriculum under Section 28.002(h), and adopted under Section 31.024.

SECTION 3. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this section, this Act applies beginning with the 2015-2016 school year.

(b) Section 31.023(a), Education Code, as amended by this Act, applies only to textbooks adopted by the State Board of Education on or after September 1, 2016.

SECTION 4. If this act passes both house and senate, it takes effect September 1, 2015.