Texas Social Studies Framework - Department of Geography ...

Chapter 4: Developing Social Studies Curriculum Based on the TEKS
Beginning with the end in mind is not a new idea. Tyler
(1949) focused on the idea in the 1940s, Bloom (1956)
drew our attention to the idea in the 1950s, Gagne and
Briggs (1979) reminded us of it in the 1970s, and
Wiggins and McTighe (1998) recently identified it as one
of the most important elements related to success in
learning. Although all educators know the importance of
this idea, the following quotes might help focus our
attention on it:
Educational objectives become the criteria by which
materials are selected, content is outlined, instructional
procedures are developed, and tests and
examinations are prepared. . . (Tyler, 1949, p. 1).
. . . many teachers begin with textbooks, favored
lessons, and time-honored activities rather than
deriving those tools from targeted goals or standards.
We are advocating the reverse: One starts with the
end—the desired results (goals or standards)—and
then derives the curriculum from the evidence of
learning (performances) called for by the standard
and the teaching needed to equip students to perform
(Wiggins and McTighe, 1998, p. 8).
The lesson is clear. State law requires that the TEKS for
Social Studies be the focus of the local social studies
curriculum. Instructional strategies must help children
develop the knowledge and skills embodied in the TEKS.
Instructional materials must be selected to support the
important ideas identified in the TEKS. Assessment must
let us know whether learners have met the standards
outlined in the TEKS. The idea is simple, the TEKS for
Social Studies must be the primary focus of the K-12
social studies program. What is to be learned, must be
taught. If Texas educators keep this idea in mind they can
be sure that learners will achieve the standards identified
in the TEKS for Social Studies.
REFERENCES
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Bloom, B. S., et al. (1956). Taxonomy of educational
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Gagne, R., and Briggs L. (1979). Principles of instructional
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Ornstein, A. C., and Hunkins, F. P. (1993). Curriculum:
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Parker, W. C. (1991). Renewing the social studies
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