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January 16, 2025

Science Curriculum Update

Public Comment Period for Proposed Amendment to 19 TAC: Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter A, Required Curriculum, §74.3, Description of a Required Secondary Curriculum

At the November 2024 State Board of Education (SBOE) meeting, the SBOE approved for first reading and filing authorization proposed amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter A, Required Curriculum, §74.3, Description of a Required Secondary Curriculum. The proposed amendment would update the list of high school courses for science that local education agencies are required offer to students.

Under the current rules, districts must offer Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) and at least two additional high school courses selected from a list of courses that can satisfy a graduation requirement in science. The proposed amendment would update course titles that have changed because of new science high school Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills adopted in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, the proposed amendment would add the following Advanced Placement (AP) courses to the list of courses from which districts must select two additional science courses to offer:

• Advanced Placement (AP) Biology (One Credit)
• Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry (One Credit)
• Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 1: Algebra Based (One Credit)
• Advanced Placement (AP) Physics 2: Algebra Based (One Credit)
• Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science (One Credit)
• Advanced Placement (AP) Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (One Credit)
• Advanced Placement (AP) Physics C: Mechanics (One Credit)

The SBOE is scheduled to consider the proposed amendment for second reading and final adoption at its January 2025 meeting.

The official public comment period for the proposed amendment is now open. To view the proposed amendment and submit public comments, visit https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/laws-and-rules/sboe-rules-tac/proposed-state-board-of-education-rules. 

Public comments are shared with SBOE members each week during the public comment period. Specific, actionable feedback submitted in the 30-day timeframe provides SBOE members with valuable information to consider.

Public Comment Period Ends January 21, 2025

Earliest Possible Date of Adoption: January 2025 SBOE meeting

The Texas Education Agency will improve outcomes for all public-school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.