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.