Calif. bill would block Texas textbook changes

By ROBIN HINDERY, Associated Press Writer
Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 10 a.m.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. β€” A California bill is taking aim at the Texas school board's proposed changes to social studies textbooks.

The legislation would require the California Board of Education to ensure that the recently approved Texas standards do not make it into California's public school classrooms.

The revisions include the claim that the country's Founding Fathers were guided by Christian principles. They also minimize Thomas Jefferson's contributions because he advocated for the separation of church and state, and require students to learn about the "unintended consequences" of affirmative action.

Supporters of SB1451 say it is a necessary precaution. But others say the Texas standards are unlikely to affect California, the country's largest textbook buyer.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010 ... k-changes/