HOUSTON, Texas – This time of year, school boards typically review and approve the proposed curriculum. At Cy-Fair ISD, the controversial textbook policy has sparked mixed emotions among stakeholders. While the superintendent does not anticipate any changes, the issue remains a topic of ongoing discussion.
Last year, the district took a different approach to lesson plans by cutting out entire chapters of state-approved schoolbooks. Topics 2 Investigates Joel Eisenbaum found affected are vaccines, climate change, and diversity.
On Monday, on KPRC 2 News at 6 p.m., Joel is speaking to families on both sides of the topic, Cy-Fair ISD’s Superintendent, a current teacher, and the State Board of Education.
The question we’ve heard most from parents is whether this is even legal. Which prompted us to consider: If you’ve ever wondered who decides what your child learns in a Texas classroom, the answer lies in a four-letter acronym: TEKS, short for Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. These are the state’s official academic standards, and they shape everything from classroom lessons to standardized tests across public schools in Texas.
The start of the TEKS
The journey to today’s TEKS began back in the early 1990s, when the Texas Legislature called for a new set of educational standards to replace the outdated “Essential Elements.” This sparked a large-scale effort led by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board of Education (SBOE) to build a framework that was clearer, more rigorous, and designed to raise academic achievement.
Creating the TEKS was no small feat. Committees made up of teachers, administrators, parents, subject experts, and business leaders spent years reviewing, drafting, and revising the standards. Public input played a major role throughout the process to make sure the final product reflected the real-world skills students would need.
By 1997, the State Board of Education had officially adopted the TEKS. From there, the focus shifted to implementation, training educators, and rolling the new standards into schools statewide.
Who decides what students learn?
In Texas, the State Board of Education—a 15-member elected body—determines what students are expected to learn. These board members serve four-year terms and represent different districts across the state. They vote on curriculum standards, adopt instructional materials, and oversee key educational policies.
But the SBOE doesn’t work alone. The Texas Education Agency, headed by the Commissioner of Education (an appointee of the Governor), ensures those standards are put into practice. The TEA provides tools, training, and resources to help schools deliver on what’s outlined in the TEKS.
And the work doesn’t stop there. The TEKS are periodically reviewed and revised through a public, collaborative process that includes teachers, parents, business leaders, and college faculty. This helps keep the standards up to date and aligned with both educational research and workforce demands.
Why the TEKS matter
1. Equal Learning Opportunities. This helps address educational disparities across the state.
2. Clear Goals for Learning - Each subject and grade level has specific expectations under TEKS. This helps teachers plan lessons that target essential knowledge and skills.
3. Holding Schools Accountable - State assessments like the STAAR test are based on the TEKS. The results from these tests influence school ratings, funding, and improvement plans.
4. Prepping Students for What’s Next - TEKS aren’t just about passing tests. They’re designed to help students think critically and solve problems.
5. Helping Teachers Stay on Track - A consistent set of standards gives educators a roadmap. With support from TEA and other organizations, teachers can access training and materials that align with what students need to learn.
The Texas Education Agency and Learning.com contributed to this report.
