Written by Jake Lehrer The Texas State Board of Education has revamped the K-8 Social Studies curriculum courses and has made the State's first extensive required reading list of around 200 required reading literature, bringing both praise and criticism from around the state.

The SBOE voted 9-4, with one abstaining, in favor of a social studies curriculum overhaul for K-8 social studies that focuses extensively on a chronological study of Texas and United States history, and how different ancient societies, Western European events and philosophy, and Judeo-Christian values, shaped America and how that ultimately shaped Texas.

According to the new curriculum: "The primary purpose of Texas and American social studies is to educate students to become proud, responsible, and patriotic citizens who respect the dignity and rights of their fellow citizens, who love their country, and who cherish liberties and laws." Each grade level has an aspect of World History and Culture studies.