APRIL 2026

TEA Social Studies | SBOE April Meeting

The SBOE will meet April 7–10, with a public hearing and Board discussion on April 7 focused on Work Group B’s draft and the proposed Social Studies TEKS. To view the most current revisions please click HERE and go to page I-80 for Elementary, I-118 for Middle School, and I-143 for High School. There are links to take you to the proposed revision attachments found on page I-80.

Content Advisor Consensus Recommendations as well as individual recommendations are now posted.

In order to testify at the meeting, you must register ahead of time. To do so, please visit the website HERE. The window to register to speak is Tuesday, March 31 to Friday, April 7 at 5pm.

APPROVED SOCIAL STUDIES FRAMEWORK - GRADES 3-8

This are the newly adopted strands for Social Studies.

CIVICS TRAINING PROGRAM UPDATES

Civics Training Program (CTP) is required for each elementary campus principal and one designated teacher. Registration is limited to these required participants at this time. Sessions are offered across Region 10—see flyer for details.

Questions-Contact Aaron.Ward@Region10.org

SUMMER SOCIAL STUDIES PD OPPORTUNITIES

COMING THIS SUMMER...JUNE 24, 2026

Register by June 1st to receive a complimentary limited edition tshirt.

LEARN MORE | REGISTER HERE

ADDITIONAL SUMMER TEACHER OPPORTUNITIES

Texas Law Related Education Presents:

From Colonies to a Nation: The Quest for Self-Goverment

Join Law-Related Education (LRE) for an engaging and enlightening professional development opportunity designed to empower educators with the knowledge and strategies needed to teach the pivotal historical transition from colonies to the birth of a new nation. This workshop focuses on the development of self-government, featuring an in-depth exploration of the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.

June 3, 2026 | Hosted by Frisco ISD

From Parliament to Congress: Founding Documents & the Evolution of Article I

Join Law-Related Education for an in-depth exploration of the foundational documents and actions that shaped the creation of Congress, with a focus on the evolution of Article I. This session will provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of the origins and development of the U.S. legislative branch, from the Articles of Confederation to the compromises made at the Constitutional Convention. We will explore key themes such as redistricting, voter behavior, how Congressional elections have evolved over time and the notion of legislative supremacy.

June 4, 2026 | Hosted by Frisco ISD

Kids are Citizens, Too!!

Kids need to understand civics, too! Join us for a dynamic and interactive professional development institute designed to help teachers introduce young learners to the values and principles of responsible citizenship. In this workshop, we will explore a variety of hands-on activities and children’s literature that empower educators to lay the foundation for teaching civics in engaging and age-appropriate ways.

June 15, 2026 | Hosted by Allen ISD

We invite you to join Smithsonian educators and our collaborators for the 6th annual Smithsonian National Education Summit. This year’s Smithsonian National Education Summit—Together We Thrive: Towards a More Perfect Union—is more than a conference; it is a collaborative call to action to bridge our expertise and build a future where every student has the tools, the voice, and the community support they need to truly thrive. The Summit’s hybrid three-day program, from July 14-16, 2026, features inspiring presentations and engaging sessions with actionable takeaways for all learning environments.

Summer Teacher Programs | Humanities Texas

This summer, Humanities Texas will conduct in-person professional development programs for social studies and English language arts teachers. Programs include "Digital Humanities Teaching Tools" (Fort Worth, June 1–4), "Teaching the American Revolution at 250" (Austin, June 8–11), "Teaching the American Literary Tradition at 250" (Austin, June 15–18), and "Teaching World War I and World War II" (College Station, June 22–25).

Program partners include Texas Christian University, The University of Texas at Austin, and Texas A&M University.

All programs will emphasize close interaction with scholars, the examination of primary sources and texts, and the development of effective pedagogical strategies and engaging assignments and activities.

"Digital Humanities Teaching Tools" will take place at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth from June 1–4, 2026. Topics to be addressed include artificial intelligence, online educational resources, and digital archives. Presentations will also address how to develop students' critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.

"Teaching the American Literary Tradition at 250" will take place at the Thompson Conference Center at The University of Texas at Austin from June 15–18, 2026. Topics to be addressed include the American Renaissance, American realism, American modernism, and the Harlem Renaissance; texts of the American Revolution, Civil War, World Wars, and civil rights movement; and women's, immigrant, and Texas voices. Presentations will also address how to develop students' critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.

"Teaching the American Revolution at 250" will take place at the Thompson Conference Center at The University of Texas at Austin from June 8–11, 2026. Topics to be addressed include the American colonies on the eve of the American Revolution; the Imperial Crisis; women, American Indians, and African Americans during the Revolutionary era; the Declaration of Independence; the American Revolutionary War; international perspectives; the Articles of Confederation and the crisis of the 1780s; the Constitutional Convention of 1787; and the immediate and long-term legacies of the American Revolution.

"Teaching World War I and World War II" will take place on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station from June 22–25, 2026. Topics to be addressed include the causes and effects of World War I and World War II; the reasons for U.S. involvement; major military operations; the Holocaust; the experiences of women, African Americans, and Latinos during World War II; the leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman; Texas and Texans during World War II; and the legacies of both conflicts.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES | COMPETITIONS

Debate and Leadership Institute

Founding Forward and the Bill of Rights Institute are inviting students to attend Debate & Leadership Institute ! Share the 5-day debate program in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, July 20-24, 2026.

Debate & Leadership Institute is open to high school students entering 10th, 11th, and 12th grade in the 2026-2027 school year. Participants will spend the week strengthening their debate skills and deepening their civic knowledge through:

Expert-led discussions
Real-world debate training
A competitive debate tournament
A tour of historic Philadelphia, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 1. A $150 fee is required at the time of registration. Full tuition for the program includes, lectures, room and board, all meals, site visits, and program materials for a $1,000. Scholarships are granted to accepted attendees for the full cost of attendance.

Application Link Here

ONCE IN A GENERATION OPPORTUNITY | AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

As we look ahead to the nationwide celebration of America's 250th anniversary in 2026, we will share opportunities throughout the year for you and your students to get involved. Stay tuned for information about contests, projects and prize opportunities connect to America 250 that can bring history to life in your classroom and campuses.

America 250

America 250 is a nonpartisan inititiative working to engage every American in the 250th anniversary of the United States.

america250.org

Texas America 250

Learn how Texas will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America's founding through statewide events and national efforts.

www.texasamerica250.com

Claim Your Free Tickets

Young Washington is a feature-length film that gives teachers and students an opportunity to meet a Washington they may have never known. A young George Washington, untested, over his head, and ambitious for his own fame. His desire to make his mark led him to the edge of the colonial world and tested his leadership skills. It ended in failure, as his rash actions touched off a global war. Failure. Washington learned, can be a great teacher.

And he didn't know his future any more than we do today.

Impactful for history and civics, this movie is a great way to explore the life of George Washington and the character and resolve we need today to carry on the American experiment. Claim your tickets!

Claim Your Tickets From the Bill of Rights Institute

A People's Playlist: U.S. History With Music As A Primary Source

A People’s Playlist: U.S. History with Music as a Primary Source is a High School U.S. History course that features American music as a source of historical inquiry. The course will comprises over 60 lessons covering a period of history from the Reconstruction Era to 2001, and aligns to C3, NCSS, and a variety of State standards for U.S. History. Created in partnership with the Library of Congress, the course is based upon the Library’s Observe-Reflect-Question methodological framework to develop students’ historical thinking skills. By investigating primary sources including recordings, photographs, and other musical artifacts, students discover important eras and moments in United States history through the diverse perspectives of its citizens. While analyzing music as a primary source, students come to understand how the diverse voices of “everyday” citizens were able to alter the trajectory of American history. By doing so, students leave the classroom empowered to contribute in meaningful ways to U.S. society.

Click Here for More Information

White House 250

U.S. Department of State

DocsTeach America 250

Smithsonian Our Shared Future: 250

National Constitution Center - America 250