Texas ed board votes on curriculum

AUSTIN (KXAN/AP) - Texas' state education board is set to take a vote on a new social studies curriculum that could reverberate in classrooms nationwide.

A three-day meeting beginning Wednesday is the first since primary elections that could push the panel's far-right leanings toward the center. Terms of conservatives who are leaving expire in January.

Concerned dad Antonio Diaz spoke that Texas textbooks give short thrift to Hispanic and Native American accomplishments and legacies.

"One day our culture, our customs, our religion will be brought into the classrooms so our children can relearn who they actually are and take pride in that fact," said Diaz.

The board's decisions affect the textbook content around the country because Texas is one of publishers' biggest clients.

"This is a national issue because Americans are passionate about America and they want that expressed," said Texas School Board member Barbara Cargill. "We don’t need to apologize for who we are."

The 15-member board is expected this week to finish debating social studies, history and economics curriculum before taking a preliminary vote. Debate could flare over such issues as the Founding Fathers' religious beliefs and border security.

“The far left is very scared of a place called Texas," said board member Ken Mercer. "We’ve drawn a line in the sand. We want true and accurate history, that honors our founding fathers, our veterans, that honors the free market system."

The final vote is expected in May.