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Thank you for subscribing to the TEA social studies newsletter.
This issue of the TEA social studies newsletter provides information on the following topics:
- Social Studies TEKS Review and Revision
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January Stakeholder Engagement Sessions
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Topic: Social Studies TEKS Review and Revision
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Dates: January 15 and January 16
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Holocaust Remembrance Week: January 23–30, 2026
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Texas State Board of Education Meeting, January 26–30, 2026
- Black History Month: February 2026
- 89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025
- Social Studies Timely Topic: Flashing Lights Course
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Social Studies TEKS Review and Revision
The State Board of Education (SBOE) is currently reviewing and revising the kindergarten – grade 12 social studies TEKS. The latest information regarding the 2025 Social Studies TEKS Review and Revision process is available on the SBOE’s Social Studies TEKS Review 2025 web page.
The SBOE is accepting applications to serve on social studies TEKS review work groups through January 19, 2026. Applications are submitted to SBOE members for review and approval. Individuals interested in applying can access the application here: Social Studies Work Group Application.
January Social Studies Stakeholder Engagement Sessions
Topic: Social Studies TEKS Review and Revision
Target Audience: Social Studies Stakeholders—Teachers, District Administrators, Campus Administrators, Education Service Center Specialists, Parents, Professional Organizations
Session Description: TEA will provide updates on the social studies TEKS review and revision. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to participate in questions and discussion with members of the TEA social studies team.
Dates & Times:
Thursday, January 15, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Central January 15 Registration Link
Friday, January 16, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Central January 16 Registration Link
Holocaust Remembrance Week: January 23–30, 2026
The mission of the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) is to combat and confront hatred, prejudice, and indifference by educating all Texans about the Holocaust and other genocides in an effort to dismantle antisemitism and prevent such future atrocities.
Instructional resources provided by the THGAAC are available to local educational agencies throughout the year, especially during Holocaust Remembrance Week, which next occurs the week of January 23–30, 2026. During this week, Texas Education Code, §29.9072,requires public schools to provide age-appropriate instruction on the Holocaust using resources developed or approved by the THGAAC.
The THGAAC web page for Holocaust Remembrance Week provides resources that can be used during Holocaust Remembrance Week as well as other times of the year:
Additionally, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum offers Holocaust Remembrance Week resources, including the following:
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Virtual Professional Development: January 12: 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Quick virtual professional development to gain a better understanding of key resources and strategies provided by the Museum for Holocaust Remembrance Week. Register at https://dhhrm.formstack.com/forms/virtual_hrw_pd_2026.
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Resource and Lesson Portal:
Educators can access an open resource and lesson portal at https://dhhrm.canto.com/v/HolocaustRemembranceWeek/. Lessons and resources are approved by the THGAAC and include ready-to-go morning announcements, daily plans, student projects, and lesson plans for elementary and secondary grades.
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Free Virtual Field Trips:
Students will be guided by expert tour leaders who will connect live from the exhibition, offering a unique opportunity to explore Holocaust history, powerful artifacts, and firsthand testimonies. Register at https://dhhrm.formstack.com/forms/holocaust_remembrance_week_vft_request_2026.
- Tours of Holocaust Wing in the Permanent Exhibition (45 minutes - 6th grade and above)
- January 26: 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- January 27: 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- January 28: 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
- January 30: 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
- Tours from Kindertransport - Rescuing Children on the Brink of War Special Exhibition (30 minutes - 4th grade and up)
- January 26: 8:30 a.m.
- January 27: 9:00 a.m.
- January 28: 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
- January 30: 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Texas State Board of Education Meeting, January 26–30, 2026
The next meeting of the State Board of Education (SBOE) will occur January 26–30, 2026. An agenda is published prior to each meeting. The TEA provides meeting webcasts for people interested in watching from a computer or device. Archived webcasts are also available. To access these SBOE meeting resources, please visit the SBOE web page.
Black History Month: February 2026
Each year, during February, we celebrate the history and cultural contributions of Black Americans in the United States. Students will explore over 400 years of Black history within the broader context of American history. The TEA web page for Black History Month provides a variety of resources that can be used to honor Black History Month.
89th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2025
The 89th Texas Legislature’s regular session began January 14 and ran through June 2. TEA provides information on legislation passed during the 89th regular legislative session, including changes to the Texas Education Code and other Texas statutes on the 89th Legislature Updates web page. Social studies stakeholders may access information regarding legislation that impacted social studies here.
Social Studies Timely Topic: Flashing Lights Course
Senate Bill (SB) 30, also known as The Community Safety Education Act, was passed by the 85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2017. The legislation added Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.012, requiring instruction on proper interaction with law enforcement. The instructional requirements are specified in Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §74.39, Requirements for Instruction on Proper Interaction with Peace Officers. A school district or open-enrollment charter school must use materials developed through a memorandum of understanding among the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, the State Board of Education, and the Texas Education Agency. Materials to be used when providing the instruction required by the Community Safety Education Act include a 16-minute video and an instructor’s guide. The Flashing Lights SB30 materials are now available on the TEA Learn platform.
Thank you for your commitment to serving Texas students.
Social Studies Team
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
curriculum@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-9581
For questions or additional information, please visit the Social Studies web page or submit a Curriculum Request Form through the TEA Help Desk.
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