TEA asks committee to delay action on seven innovative courses; public urges renewal of American Indian/Native Studies

The Texas Education Agency told the instruction committee it cannot yet assure the board that seven submitted innovative courses meet the board’s suitability rubric and statutory requirements, and the agency requested that the committee take no final action at this meeting. Dozens of public speakers urged the committee to renew the innovative American Indian and Native Studies course immediately.

TEA staff said that, historically, applicants submitted both recommended student expectations and suggested course materials but the agency had not fully evaluated the submitted materials against the board’s newly adopted suitability rubric. “We cannot provide an assurance to the board that these courses and their related materials meet the board's suitability rubric or comply with broader statutory mandates,” a TEA staff presenter told members and asked for time to research and report findings to the committee. Staff recommended delaying final adoption to the committee’s June meeting to allow a more thorough review.

Public testimony in favor of renewing the American Indian and Native Studies course began during the public‑comment period. Steven Silver Gray, identified himself as a citizen of the Wakhanan nation and a Ph.D. student, said the course “is more than a history class. It gives students the tools to look at things from new perspectives and to become more well‑rounded citizens.” Lynette Alotto, social studies coordinator for Grand Prairie Independent School District, described the course as community‑written and vetted and said renewal for five years would allow districts time to adopt and schedule the elective.

Committee members asked whether the agency could approve the list today conditionally or prioritize an individual course for quicker review. Staff said applicants historically had chances to update materials and that the committee could set expectations for whether resubmissions would be permitted. The presenter explained current rules: newly approved innovative courses are approved for three years and renewals for five years under the board’s rule changes.

The committee did not take final action on renewals at this meeting. Members discussed postponing action to the June meeting and a member said they would request the board chair call a special meeting to prioritize review of the American Indian and Native Studies course so districts could adopt it in time for fall scheduling.

Ending: TEA will perform a suitability review of the seven innovative courses and report back to the committee; the committee deferred final action and discussed prioritizing the American Indian and Native Studies course for an expedited review process.