Flores bill adding topics to teacher civics training

The text as introduced · 863 words

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.