CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON SUPPORTS ACADEMICALLY-BASED SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS


Washington, DC – (Monday, August 2, 2010) - Congresswoman Johnson has introduced a resolution (H. Res. 1593) that supports academically-based social studies curriculum standards for the nation’s public schools.  This bill was introduced in response to the Texas State Board of Education’s recently approved curriculum standards for social studies.  After months of discussion regarding the curriculum this May, the Texas State Board of Education disregarded many academically-based recommendations and approved politically-biased standards that are outside of mainstream scholarship.

“Whether or not one agrees with these particular ideas, they represent a view that is outside the mainstream of academic and historic scholarship,” said Congresswoman Johnson.  “They were not added by experts and historians, but politicians.  While it is fine to examine the many philosophical beliefs of the American people, it must be done in a balanced and responsible way.”

Due to the size and influence of the Texas textbook market, curriculum standards adopted in Texas have long exerted a strong influence on public school textbooks used around the United States.

“The politicization of public school social studies curriculum in Texas has garnered national attention.  It represents a dangerous precedent of skewed and selective historical perspective that could be replicated in any state.  It should not be up to any politician to write history, rather teachers and experts in the field should be utilized to determine standards of curriculum,” said Congresswoman Johnson.

This resolution was introduced with four cosponsors: Representatives Solomon Ortiz, Ruben Hinojosa, Silvestre Reyes and Gene Green.  In addition it is supported by: American Federation of Teachers; Americans for Religious Liberty; American Association of University Women; Americans United for Church State Separation; Anti-Defamation League; Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty; Catholics for Choice; Hindu American Foundation; Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network; Interfaith Alliance National Council of Jewish Women; National Educational Association; National Association of Secondary School Principals; People for the American Way; Secular Coalition for America; Texas Freedom Network and Texas Faith Network; and the United Church of Christ Justice & Witness Ministries