Constitution Day & Celebrate Freedom Week In Schools: Are Texas Schools Following the Law?

This Friday, September 17 is Constitution Day here in the United States and in our public schools.  On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was adopted. Our country is unique in that our Constitution acknowledges that government’s power comes from the people, not the other way around.  Have you read the Constitution?

Texas law (Tex. Education Code §29.907 & §Tex. Admin. Code 74.33) requires Texas public schools, grades 3-12, to acknowledge Celebrate Freedom week (week of September 17th) and conduct appropriate instruction concerning the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, the abolitionist movement and women’s suffrage. Additionally, this requirement is also reflected in our new social studies standards passed by our Texas State Board of Education.  School districts can choose another week for such instruction, but must get approval from their school board for such a change.  You saw school districts make preparations for President Obama’s speech, but are they preparing to talk about the Constitution and Celebrate Freedom Week?

Is your school following the law for “Celebrate Freedom Week” and discussing Constitution Day?  Ask your school and then post a comment!  Or email us at [email protected]

Links to the law.:

Texas Administrative Code, Section 74.33: http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=2&ch=74&rl=33

Texas Education Code, Section 29.907: TEXAS EDUCATION CODE 29.907

FOR THE REAL FACTS ABOUT TEXAS SOCIAL STUDIES, GO TO www.juststatethefacts.com