It can be a little tricky navigating the many Texas social studies standards students need to learn. In this blog post, I will be breaking down the meaning of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (known as TEKS) for Grades 3-8!

When were the current TEKS Texas social studies standards implemented?

The current streamlined social studies TEKS were adopted in 2022, were effective on August 1, 2024, and were implemented in classrooms beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.

Introduction of the Texas Social Studies Standards

The TEKS Texas Social Studies Standards are a set of guidelines that outline what students should know and be able to do in social studies classes.

These standards cover a wide range of topics, from history and geography to economics and government.

Understanding the key concepts and themes of the Texas Social Studies Standards can help students and educators navigate this complex set of guidelines and ensure that students are receiving a comprehensive education in social studies.

Here are some main things to know about the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for social studies:

• The first paragraph of the introduction gives an overview of concepts taught for each grade level. As it currently stands:
  • 3rd grade: individuals and heroes in communities, past and present.
  • 4th grade: Texas History
  • 5th grade: U.S. History from 1565 to present
  • 6th grade: Contemporary World Cultures
  • 7th grade: Texas History
  • 8th grade: U.S. History from the early colonial period through Reconstruction
• It is important to use a variety of materials to support the teaching of the essential knowledge and skills (songs, artwork, founding documents, biographies, etc.).
• The 8 social studies strands are integrated for instructional purposes.
• Keep in mind the specific wording in each TEKS standard: “including” are concepts that MUST be taught, and “such as” are examples or suggestions of topics that could be taught, but are not mandatory.
• Celebrate Freedom Week is required to teach.

8 Domains of the Texas Social Studies Standards

Each domain covers a specific set of topics and skills that students should master in order to be proficient in social studies.

Here’s a look at each of the 8 strands or domains outlined in the TEKS. This is featured in all grade levels from K-12.

History

History is a chronological record of significant events that shaped a nation or group. It often explains why events happened and how they changed people’s lives.
Examples of topics:

• Causes and effects of the American Revolution
• Key events in Texas independence
• Turning points in the Civil Rights Movement
• Major inventions that shifted daily life in the past
• Lives of important historical figures like Harriet Tubman or Sam Houston

Geography

Geography describes how physical, biological, and cultural features appear on Earth and how they interact. It helps students understand places, environments, and how people use them.
Examples of topics:

• Landforms across North America
• Population patterns in South America
• Climate zones and why they differ
• How rivers, mountains, and deserts shape human settlement
• Human–environment interaction such as farming, transportation, or natural hazards

Economics

Economics explains how people produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. It helps students understand choices, resources, and money.
Examples of topics:

• Supply and demand in real-world situations
• Scarcity and why people can’t have everything
• Trade among colonies or world regions
• How businesses earn profit
• Role of consumers, producers, and workers

Government

Government is the system of rules and the people who create and enforce them. It helps keep communities safe and organized.
Examples of topics:

• Three branches of the U.S. government
• Roles of local leaders like mayors or city councils
• How laws are made
• Responsibilities of state governments
• Elections and leadership at different levels

Citizenship

Citizenship includes the rights, duties, and responsibilities of belonging to a country. It connects to how people participate in their community.
Examples of topics:

• Showing respect for national symbols
• Voting as a form of participation
• Responsibilities like obeying laws or helping others
• Qualities of good citizenship such as honesty or compassion
• How individuals make a difference in their community

Culture

Culture is a shared pattern of behaviors, beliefs, traditions, and values within a group. It includes the way people express themselves, celebrate, and communicate.
Examples of topics:

• Holidays celebrated around the world
• Traditional foods, music, or clothing
• Languages spoken in different regions
• Family traditions and beliefs
• Art, stories, and cultural symbols

Science, Technology, and Society

This strand focuses on how science and technology shape a society. It explores tools, discoveries, and inventions that change daily life.
Examples of topics:

• How transportation improvements affected the United States
• Communication tools from telegrams to smartphones
• Agricultural innovations that impacted food production
• Space exploration and its influence on science
• Energy resources and how people use them

Social Studies Skills

Social Studies Skills include critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. Students use these skills to make sense of information from maps, timelines, graphs, charts, and primary sources.
Examples of topics:

Social Studies STAAR Testing

In Texas, students are not assessed through standardized testing until 8th grade.

While 3rd-5th grade lays the foundation for communities around the world, Texas history, and U.S. history, 6th grade focuses on contemporary world cultures, 7th grade focuses on Texas history, and 8th grade focuses on U.S history. 

Are the TEKS changing again? Check out the latest 2026 updates.

On September 12, 2025, the SBOE voted on a new scope and sequence for K-8. This will likely be implemented on or around 2030.

Listen to my episode breaking down the major changes for K-8 in the course topics and strands.

Additionally, Senate Bill 24 sets a new requirement for the State Board of Education. The SBOE must include age-appropriate instruction on communist regimes and ideologies in the social studies TEKS for grades 4–12. The board is now required to update, adopt, and publish the revised standards by July 31, 2026. This will go into effect beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

If you’re looking for engaging and quality social studies resources for Grades 3-6 that align to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for social studies, click here to learn more about The Southern Teach Shop!