Introducing a new public service watchdog focused on textbook adoption and
other selected issues before the
State Board of Education ("SBOE"),
the Texas Education Agency ("TEA")
and the U.S. Department of Education
Mission Statement: Citizens in a democracy owe a duty to themselves and to their community to
be able to speak, write, and vote with knowledge on important issues of the day. Events occurring
in the SBOE, TEA, and the U.S. Department of Education can have substantial impact on
parents, school children, our culture, and the future. These events oft-times "make good copy"
and are extensively covered by the media, while equally important events are not covered. It is
our mission to provide information on selected important issues, in a readable format, including
those which "make good copy" and those that are slighted by the media.
Today's issue: Social Studies Textbooks now being considered by the State
Board Of Education, or The Shoot-out at the SBOE Corral.
The SBOE must adopt social studies textbooks by November. Comments have been received from
many concerned Texans. A History of the U.S., vol 1-10, received the most objections. Some
sample comments follow:
"left me speechless. I honestly do not know what to say"
"appaled by the general tone of these books.. We wish to be notified of all public
hearings..."
"Our great founding fathers are made to appear shameful."
"same themes as found in the original National History Standards which so embarassed
liberals and conservatives alike that the U.S. Senate rejected them 99-1." See Section 3
for more comments
Queston: The textbooks used in the public shools of __________ detail a multitude of "sins"
commited by western civilizations while ignoring the "sins" of other cultures. Answer: (a.) Guam
(b.) Russia (c.) Iran (d.) Texas
If you guessed (a.), (b.) or (c.) you should read the comments by your fellow citizens
who have read some the the social studies textbooks presently being considered by the
SBOE.
Work in progress: School Choice: Its status, pros, and cons. Make your
bookmark and plan to come back for an update on this important issue.
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-- Texas Style since August 19, 1996. We are just getting our web site together and hope you'll
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