Texas Administrative Code › Title 19 - EDUCATION › Part 2 - TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY › Chapter 113 - TEXAS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS FOR SOCIAL STUDIES › Subchapter A - ELEMENTARY › Section 113.11 - Social Studies, Kindergarten, Adopted 2018

Current through Reg. 49, No. 28; July 12, 2024
(a) Introduction.
(1) In Kindergarten, the study of the self,
				  home, family, and classroom establishes the foundation for responsible
				  citizenship in society. Students explore state and national heritage by
				  examining the celebration of patriotic holidays and the contributions of
				  individuals. The concept of chronology is introduced. Students apply geographic
				  concepts of location and physical and human characteristics of place. Students
				  identify basic human needs and ways people meet these needs. Students learn the
				  purpose of rules and the role of authority figures in the home and school.
				  Students learn customs, symbols, and celebrations that represent American
				  beliefs and principles and contribute to our national identity. Students
				  compare family customs and traditions and describe examples of technology in
				  the home and school. Students acquire information from a variety of oral and
				  visual sources. Students practice problem-solving, decision-making, and
				  independent-thinking skills.
(2) To
				  support the teaching of the essential knowledge and skills, the use of a
				  variety of rich material is encouraged. Motivating resources are available from
				  museums, historical sites, presidential libraries, and local and state
				  preservation societies.
(3) The
				  eight strands of the essential knowledge and skills for social studies are
				  intended to be integrated for instructional purposes. Skills listed in the
				  social studies skills strand in subsection (b) of this section should be
				  incorporated into the teaching of all essential knowledge and skills for social
				  studies. A greater depth of understanding of complex content material can be
				  attained when integrated social studies content from the various disciplines
				  and critical-thinking skills are taught together. Statements that contain the
				  word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those
				  containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative
				  examples.
(4) Students identify the
				  role of the U.S. free enterprise system within the parameters of this course
				  and understand that this system may also be referenced as capitalism or the
				  free market system.
(5) Throughout
				  social studies in Kindergarten-Grade 12, students build a foundation in
				  history; geography; economics; government; citizenship; culture; science,
				  technology, and society; and social studies skills. The content, as appropriate
				  for the grade level or course, enables students to understand the importance of
				  patriotism, function in a free enterprise society, and appreciate the basic
				  democratic values of our state and nation as referenced in the Texas Education
				  Code (TEC), §28.002(h).
(6)
				  Students understand that a constitutional republic is a representative form of
				  government whose representatives derive their authority from the consent of the
				  governed, serve for an established tenure, and are sworn to uphold the
				  constitution.
(7) Students must
				  demonstrate learning performance related to any federal and state mandates
				  regarding classroom instruction. Although Kindergarten is not required to
				  participate in Celebrate Freedom Week, according to the TEC, §29.907,
				  primary grades lay the foundation for subsequent learning. As a result,
				  Kindergarten Texas essential knowledge and skills include standards related to
				  this patriotic observance.
(8)
				  Students discuss how and whether the actions of U.S. citizens and the local,
				  state, and federal governments have achieved the ideals espoused in the
				  founding documents.