It's not too late to make social studies changes
Here's the editorial that we ran today about next year's State Board of Education. Do you agree or disagree?
As expected, the State Board of Education last week passed a flawed set of social studies standards for Texas students. As also expected, their passage has set off a firestorm of debate across the country.
What the state expects Texas students to learn about history, economics and other elements of social studies will shape their view of the world. But perhaps not only their view. The new standards also could influence the views of students nationwide.
By now, you've probably read that those social studies standards shape what goes in Texas textbooks. And Texas textbooks end up being the template for other states' textbooks. Hence, the national interest.
But here's a little-known fact: These standards need not be the last word. The new board that comes into office in January, which is likely to have at least two to three new moderate members, could revise them, if the members move fast.
Textbook publishers won't like the delay. And the Texas Education Agency may have to do some hurried