ELLIS COUNTY ISD’S DO NOT TEACH CRITICAL RACE THEORY

ELLIS COUNTY – Anyone with a student in school these days has heard the term “Critical Race Theory.”

What are school districts in Ellis County doing when it comes to the discussion?
And what is the discussion really all about?

One website notes, “It is the central idea that racism is institutionalized and is embedded in America’s history, legal systems, and policies.

“It acknowledges the continuing impacts of slavery and segregation in America, and critiques how institutionalized racism perpetuates a caste system that is inherently unequal.”

For some time, CRT has been discussed as to whether it will be taught or banned in schools.

James Hartman, superintendent at Ferris ISD said, “FISD follows the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, which are the adopted state standards for each grade level and content area. 

“Texas’s adopted TEKS do not contain CRT as currently being discussed in public forums and in government circles.

“FISD implements curriculum from these adopted state TEKS standards and does not have any locally approved or adopted courses that include CRT elements.”

At Red Oak ISD, teachers there do not teach Critical Race Theory either.

Beth Trimble, Red Oak ISD’s Executive Director of Communications said, “House Bill 3979 went into effect on Sept. 1, but on Dec. 2, Senate Bill 3 takes over.”

In short, SB 3 continues HB 3979’s provision that a teacher “cannot be compelled to discuss a currently controversial issue of public policy.”

Trimble continued, “But SB 3 changes the requirement for what a teacher must do if they choose to discuss a controversial topic.

“Instead of having to give equal weight to all sides in any controversy as required in HB 3979, SB 3 states, ‘teachers shall explore the topic objectively and in a manner free from political bias.’”

Red Oak ISD is currently working with its curriculum team and administrators to be in compliance and best meet the needs of all students, Trimble said.

“In the end, ROISD teaches kids,” Brenda Sanford, Red Oak ISD Superintendent concluded.

“We use the 4 Talons of the Hawk as our mission and the state TEKS as our guideline for academics.

“We strive to develop young people who are compassionate, resilient, serve others, and are intellectually prepared for their future dreams.”