In a controversial move, the Texas Board of Education is poised to make a decision that could significantly impact the way climate science is taught in the state's schools. This decision revolves around whether to recommend new science textbooks that accurately describe the causes and effects of climate change.
The board, which has exhibited a rightward shift since 2021, is expected to vote on this matter soon, with the new science standards and textbooks scheduled to take effect in the 2024-2025 school year. The 15-member body's decision-making process has raised concerns, as it appears to be influenced by partisan lines. This is particularly notable given that Texas's treatment of climate change in state science standards was graded 'F' in a 2020 study by the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) and the Texas Freedom Network.
Further complicating the issue, the Texas Board of Education has recently amended its operating rules in ways that could undermine climate education. These changes, reported by Scientific American in March 2023, mandate that Texas schools present the "positive aspects of the United States and Texas and its heritage and abundant natural resources," while recognizing "the ongoing process of scientific discovery and change over time".
The decision by the Texas Board of Education, a body with a Republican majority, is significant not only for its immediate impact on Texas schools but also for its broader implications. Although the board's recommendations do not carry legal weight, they have a substantial influence due to Texas' size and market power in the textbook industry. This means that their decisions could shape how climate science is presented in textbooks used across the United States.
This situation has garnered attention and criticism from various quarters, highlighting the ongoing debate over how climate science should be taught in schools and the role of political ideology in shaping educational content. The outcome of the Texas Board of Education's decision will likely have far-reaching consequences for climate education in the United States.