I spent over 9 hours listening to the SBOE meeting, so you don't have to! In this bonus audio-only episode, I share with you takeaways and recaps (with my opinions sprinkled in) as a new social studies framework is being constructed for K-12 in the state of Texas. The new TEKS will not be into effect until the 2030-2031 school year, but it's important to keep an eye on the process before it is too late to make changes.

Action Steps you can take to help make the standards the best they can be:

1. Join a Work Group to help draft the TEKS standards. Apply here if you're interested! > https://tea.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0kqGjYG60zgSiSW
2. Email your SBOE district representative: https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-board-members/sboe-members

Here is a draft of the key topics and subtopics as of Jan 2026: https://sboe.texas.gov/state-board-of-education/sboe-2026/sboe-2026-january/cofb5-key-topics-considerations-attach2.pdf

Mentioned in this episode:

Grab the Back to School Social Studies Pack!

Get your upper elementary students excited to start the school year using these low-prep back to school social studies getting to know you worksheets! With 20 pages of engaging activities targeting geography, history, and classroom community building, it makes a great back to school resource for the first week or first month of school!

Learn more about the Back to School Social Studies Resource

Free Guided Lesson Sampler for Texas Social Studies Teachers

Looking for a ready-to-use social studies lesson for your grade level? Grab a free guided lesson sample created specifically for Texas teachers. Choose from 3rd grade Communities, 4th grade Texas History, 5th grade U.S. History, 6th grade World Cultures, or 7th grade Texas History. Each sampler includes a teacher guide, lesson slideshow, digital version, guided notes, practice activity, exit ticket, answer keys, and more information about the full 36-week guided curriculum program. Download your free sampler and choose your grade level at thesouthernteach.com/lessons