RP71 - Relating to the content of the State's textbooks.

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

Executive Department

Austin, Texas June 19, 2009

Relating to the content of the State's textbooks.

WHEREAS, the elected State Board of Education is entrusted with identifying the essential knowledge and skills for each foundation subject and ensuring they are incorporated into Texas public school textbooks; and

WHEREAS, authority is granted to the State Board of Education under the Texas Education Code to adopt or reject a textbook, regardless of the manner in which it is delivered, based on its coverage of the essential knowledge and skills and lack of factual errors; and

WHEREAS, questions have arisen upon the passage of House Bill No. 4294, Acts of the 81st Legislature, relating to the authority of the State Board of Education to review digital content through a process established by the Commissioner of Education, and changes must be made to clarify that the State Board of Education has the responsibility to review and approve content by the 82nd Legislature; and

NOW THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, Governor of the State of Texas, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Texas, do hereby order the following:

Cooperation. The Commissioner of Education and the Texas Education Agency shall continue to work together with the State Board of Education to ensure the content of the State’s textbooks meet the essential knowledge and skills established by the State Board of Education and are factually error free.

Information and Opportunities. In establishing a review panel process of digital content, the Commissioner of Education shall adopt rules necessary to ensure the State Board of Education is an integral part of the digital content review process and include the following:

• The content review panel will consist of the State Board of Education members or their designees who have the expertise to comply with Sec. 31.0231, Education Code.
• The State Board of Education shall have the opportunity to review and present a recommendation to the Commissioner of Education before an electronic textbook is approved.
• If the State Board of Education has previously rejected an electronic textbook based upon its content, it cannot be placed on the Commissioner of Education’s approved list.

This executive order supersedes all previous orders in conflict or inconsistent with its terms and shall remain in effect and in full force until modified, amended, rescinded, or superseded by me or by a succeeding Governor.

Given under my hand this the 19th day of June, 2009.

RICK PERRY (Signature)

Governor

Attested by:

COBY SHORTER, III (Signature)

Deputy Secretary of State