AUSTIN — The Texas State Board of Education concluded its June 22-26 meeting with major decisions affecting the future of public education across the state, including the adoption of revised social studies standards and continued work on new personal financial literacy requirements for high school students.
District 8 representative Dr. Audrey Young of Trinity played an active role in the week’s discussions as the board considered one of the most significant revisions of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in recent years. The newly adopted K-8 social studies standards establish a more chronological approach to teaching history and increase emphasis on civic knowledge, Texas history, and foundational historical concepts.
Among Dr. Young’s notable contributions was her involvement in efforts to preserve important Revolutionary War content within the social studies standards. According to reports from the meeting, after the board reconsidered portions of the U.S. History standards, Dr. Young made the motion to restore standards related to key Revolutionary War battles. The restoration was approved without objection.
The board ultimately approved the revised K-8 Social Studies TEKS, while delaying final action on several high school social studies courses, including U.S. History, World History, World Geography, and Government, for consideration at a future meeting.
In addition to social studies, the board addressed new Personal Financial Literacy requirements stemming from House Bill 27 passed by the Texas Legislature in 2025. The proposal updates the high school Personal Financial Literacy course to ensure students receive instruction in budgeting, saving, investing, credit, taxes, and other practical financial skills. The board also considered related curriculum rule changes to align graduation requirements with the new law, which requires students to earn a half-credit in Personal Financial Literacy. Delayed for consideration at another meeting, is Advanced Placement coursework, which may be approved to satisfy the PFL graduation requirement.
The June meeting drew significant public attention, with extensive testimony from educators, parents, and stakeholders regarding the social studies standards and their impact on classroom instruction throughout Texas.
As the board continues its work on the remaining high school social studies standards, Dr. Young’s involvement in the June meeting reflected her commitment to ensuring Texas students receive a strong grounding in American history, civic understanding, and financial literacy.
