89R5218 CMO-D

By: Flores S.B. No. 1284

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to civics instruction in public schools, including certain instructional requirements, civics training programs, and the essential knowledge and skills for the public school foundation curriculum and social studies curriculum.

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

SECTION 1. Sections 21.4555(b) and (c), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(b) A civics training program developed under this section must include training in:

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

(2) guided classroom discussion of current events in a way that prioritizes unity, understanding, and collaboration, as appropriate for the grade level and consistent with the restrictions under Section 28.0022;

(3) strategies for incorporating instruction on civil discourse, as defined by commissioner rule, into classroom discussion of current events under Subdivision (2);

(4) classroom simulations and models of governmental and democratic processes, including local governmental processes and structure, consistent with the requirements and restrictions of Sections 28.002(h-2) and 28.0022;

(5) [(4)] media literacy, including instruction on verifying information and sources, identifying and responding to logical fallacies, identifying how journalism and governmental transparency can inform the public and promote civic engagement, and identifying propaganda, as appropriate for the grade level and consistent with the restrictions under Section 28.0022; [and]

(6) [(5)] strategies for incorporating civics instruction into subject areas other than social studies; and

(7) identifying optional, nonpartisan volunteer opportunities that are consistent with the requirements and restrictions of Section 28.0022 to encourage students to connect with their community through civic engagement.

(c) The commissioner by rule shall establish:

(1) the grade levels at which a teacher provides instruction to be eligible to participate in a civics training program. In making the determination, the commissioner shall include grade levels for which the State Board of Education makes significant revisions to the essential knowledge and skills for the social studies curriculum under Section 28.002(h-2); and

(2) a list of approved volunteer opportunities that meet the requirements of Subsection (b)(7).

SECTION 2. Sections 28.002(h-1) and (h-2), Education Code, are amended to read as follows:

(h-1) In adopting the essential knowledge and skills for the foundation curriculum under Subsection (a)(1), the State Board of Education shall, as appropriate, adopt essential knowledge and skills that develop each student's civic knowledge, including an understanding of:

(1) the fundamental moral, political, and intellectual foundations of the American experiment in self-government;

(2) the history, qualities, traditions, and features of civic engagement in the United States;

(3) the structure, function, and processes of government institutions at the federal, state, and local levels, including the division of powers between federal and state governments and the legislative process in this state; and

(4) the founding documents of the United States, including:

(A) the entirety of the Declaration of Independence;

(B) the entirety of the United States Constitution;

(C) the Federalist Papers, including the entirety of Essays 10 and 51;

(D) excerpts from Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America;

(E) the transcript of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate;

(F) the writings of the founding fathers of the United States;

(G) the entirety of Frederick Douglass's speeches "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro" and "What the Black Man Wants"; and

(H) the entirety of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech "I Have a Dream."

(h-2) In adopting the essential knowledge and skills for the social studies curriculum for each grade level from kindergarten through grade 12, the State Board of Education shall adopt essential knowledge and skills that develop each student's civic knowledge, including:

(1) an understanding of:

(A) the fundamental moral, political, entrepreneurial, and intellectual foundations of the American experiment in self-government;

(B) the history, qualities, traditions, and features of civic engagement in the United States;

(C) the structure, function, and processes of government institutions at the federal, state, and local levels, including division of powers between federal and state governments and the legislative process in this state; and

(D) the founding documents of the United States;

(2) the ability to:

(A) analyze and determine the reliability of information sources;

(B) formulate and articulate reasoned positions;

(C) understand the manner in which local, state, and federal government works and operates through the use of simulations and models of governmental and democratic processes;

(D) actively listen and engage in civil discourse, including discourse with those with different viewpoints; and

(E) participate as a citizen in a constitutional democracy by voting; and

(3) an appreciation of:

(A) the importance and responsibility of participating in civic life;

(B) a commitment to the United States and its form of government; and

(C) a commitment to free speech and civil discourse.

SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.