New Texas Social Sciences Curriculum Standards Fraught with Ideology, Critics Say
The new standards call for a greater focus on the Biblical and Christian traditions of the founding fathers. It also calls for the teaching of free market principles, how government taxation and regulation can serve as restrictions to private enterprise, and emphasizes the achievements of Republican leaders, including former President Ronald Reagan and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
The new curriculum also states that the system of the U.S. government be called a "Constitutional Republic" rather than a "Democratic society." Additionally, it inserts a "Celebrate Freedom Week" during which Texas students will study the importance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Critics charge that the standards are a blatant attempt to insert an ideological and political agenda into Texas classrooms.
"Every child in Texas deserves the right to have authentic history. ......