Reforma Urges Balance in Texas Curriculum Standards

April 20, 2010

John Sandstrom, a member of the American Library Association's govering Council, this morning circulated a "Resolution on Texas State Board of Education Curriculum Standards" developed by Reforma: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, an ALA affiliate of which he is also a member.

"A few weeks ago there was an outcry about the changes to the Education Curriculum Standards being proposed in the State of Texas," Sandstrom said, attaching a resolution developed by the Reforma Legislative Committee and passed by the Reforma board. He noted that the standards were posted and the public comment period began April 16. The resolution in full:

Whereas, the Texas State Board of Education initially approved the new social studies curriculum and approved a document containing changes from proposals submitted by educators earlier this year; and

Whereas, the changes proposed by the Board members would be damaging not only to Texas students but all students in the United States, as it is critical that the social studies curriculum and standards provide a balanced and accurate reflection of history for all people; and

Whereas, the proposed changes would under-represent the growing Latino/a population and other minority groups in Texas, where it is vital that historical contributions be recognized, and all information needs be met in education; Therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Texas State Board of Education move toward improving education by providing balanced and objective instruction, and actually advocate for intellectual freedom by assuring the right of unrestricted access to information and ideas no matter the form of communication, subject matter, and the perspectives of both the author and student; and be it further

Resolved, that the Texas State Board of Education advocate for the information needs of the Latinos whom make up 14.8% of the United States population as of 2006 (U.S. Census), with Texas ranking second in regards to Latino/Hispanic population in the United States; and be it further

Resolved, that REFORMA in solidarity with the Texas Library Association urges educators and interested members of the public to respond during the comment period of the new approved draft of social studies standards and to contact the Texas State Board of Education members and elected officials.

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