Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM: How should the K–12 social studies curriculum balance state, national, and world history to best prepare students to be responsible citizens in today’s world?
TEACHER SUPPORT: How can the SBOE strengthen teacher preparation, certification, and ongoing professional development to support high-quality instruction?
DIGITAL EDUCATION: How can the SBOE balance technology use with traditional instructional methods to best support student learning?
RELIGION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Should Christianity or any other religious beliefs be incorporated into the public school curriculum? Explain your position.
George Brain Vachris
Licensed P.E. in Texas with 4 degrees; Former Certified Teacher of mathematics, physical science, engineering (6-12); Taught 9 years at a Title 1 school in Houston. Go to vachriscampaign.com
The course curriculum is set by statute and SBOE vote already. What are being developed now are the individual course TEKS. I have submitted pages of written testimony to SBOE with specific suggestions to improve the TEKS. For a general outline, go to vachriscampaign.com. There is not enough room in 400 characters to specify changes to one course, never mind all of chapter 113 TAC.
While there is currently an emphasis on teaching methodology, there is far too little emphasis on teaching facts and specific subject matter. Teacher professional development should include methods to teach specific content as specified in the TEKS. This should emphasize student memorization of basic material such as times tables, historical timelines with key facts, etc.
Digital Education, including calculators, should not be used in elementary grades. Students need to learn to read the printed word. Students need to learn to calculate with pencil and paper. Student testing should be on paper. Federal Title one requires State student tests but does NOT require on-line testing. This should be reserved for upper grades. Computer Sciences should include MS Excel.
Our Judeo-Christian heritage is embedded into our legal system and our entire culture. It is WRONG to murder or steal. History should teach the Christian religious founding of the colonies, this is historical reality. The role of Christians in the abolition movement is historical reality. The first Amendment does not mention "separation of church and state", rather it guarantees religious freedom.
OTHER ISSUES: What other issues do you believe will be the most pressing for the State Board of Education?
Our Judeo-Christian heritage is embedded into our legal system and our entire culture. It is WRONG to murder or steal. History should teach the Christian religious founding of the colonies, this is historical reality. The role of Christians in the abolition movement is historical reality. The first Amendment does not mention "separation of church and state", rather it guarantees religious freedom.
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