AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The politically shifting State Board of Education has opened discussion of new social studies curriculum standards that could affect the publishing of textbooks nationwide.
The board started their three-day meeting Wednesday. Testimony began with an address from two state legislators urging that the Christian “heritage on which our nation was founded” be reflected in the standards.
Debate on the standards has been marked by ideological squabbles over religion and attempts to reflect liberal or conservative viewpoints.
Even before the board began to address the social studies, history and economics curriculum, news cameras from national media outlets, activists and protesters filled the small auditorium.
The board is expected to take a preliminary vote this week, with final adoption in May.