What does the state of Texas want kids to learn about government in K-12? Where can I find the TEKS for social studies?

The answer to this question can be found in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Social Studies, contained in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC). The TAC "is a compilation of all state agency rules in Texas."

- Here is a direct link to the page. 

At different points in class we discuss administrative law, which is another term for the rules agencies pass in order to clarify how the laws passed by the legislature are to be implemented that has jurisdiction over that implementation. 

The Texas Secretary of State's office is responsible for, among other things, providing "a repository for official and business and commercial records required to be filed with the Office. The Secretary publishes government rules and regulations and commissions notaries public."

It does so by publishing the Texas Register, which contains administrative rules proposed by agencies, and allowing a opportunity for feedback by the public. 

Once adopted, these rules are incorporated into the TAC. This includes the TEKS.

Here is how you find it by clicking through.

- Go the homepage of the Texas Secretary of State, click here.  

- Scroll over "Rules and Meetings" and look for "Texas Administrative Code," click on it.

- Under quick links look for "View the current Texas Administrative Code," click on it.

- Familiarize yourself with the various titles. This where the rules for all state agencies can be found. Find Title 19, Education. Click on it here.

- Familiarize yourself with the various parts. These are rules concerning all aspects of education in the state. Look for Part 2 Texas Education Agency, click on it.

- Familiarize yourself with the various chapters, they cover all state rules concerning K-12 in the state. Not that some decisions have been delegated to the independent school districts. Look for Chapter 113, TEKS for Social Studies. Click on it.

- From there you can click on each grade level and find the specific content students - including you if you went to public schools in Texas - were supposed to learn about government in each grade.

I will post these separately, but for now you can get an idea about what information you are assumed to already have learned prior to taking this class. I will outline that info later.