Texas does not have standalone K-12 SEL standards. If you stop reading there, you might conclude that Texas does not require social-emotional instruction. That conclusion would be wrong.
What Texas has is a set of overlapping mandates that address the same skills SEL programs teach, using different language and housed in different frameworks:
Character Education Mandate
The Texas Education Code requires every school district to adopt a character education program.[1]
Health TEKS Standards
The Health TEKS include explicit standards for “socio-emotional health, self-regulation, and healthy relationships” at every grade level K-12.[2]
Mental Health Training (HB 3)
Every school district employee who works with students must complete evidence-based mental health training.[3]
School Safety Allotment
Dedicated per-student and per-campus funding for character education, mental health, and student wellbeing programs.[4]
The substance is there. The term “SEL” is used less prominently in Texas than in states like Michigan or California, but the underlying expectations for social-emotional instruction in elementary schools are real, funded, and increasingly enforced.
Texas's Character Education Mandate
What the Law Requires
Texas Education Code §29.906 requires every school district and open-enrollment charter school to adopt a character education program.[1] This is not guidance. It is a mandate. The statute specifies that programs must:
Stress positive character traits including courage, trustworthiness, integrity, courtesy, kindness, respect, responsibility, fairness, citizenship, and other traits identified by the district in consultation with parents, educators, and community members.[1]
The statute also requires districts to consult with parents, educators, and community members in selecting the program. This community involvement requirement means that the program selection process itself must be documented and inclusive.
Character Plus School Designation
TEA offers a Character Plus School designation that recognizes campuses with exemplary character education programming. To earn the designation, schools must demonstrate:[4]
- A comprehensive program that involves stakeholders
- Integration across campus culture
- Structured instruction with parent and community involvement
- Measurable impact on student behavior and school climate
While the designation is voluntary, pursuing it creates a structured framework for meeting the character education mandate and provides public recognition that can strengthen community support.
What This Means for Elementary Schools
The character education mandate means every Texas elementary school needs a documented program that teaches the character traits specified in the statute. The law does not prescribe a specific curriculum. It requires the traits to be addressed through structured instruction.
A CASEL-aligned SEL curriculum that includes character traits like kindness, respect, responsibility, courage, and perseverance satisfies this mandate while also building the broader social-emotional competencies that the health TEKS address. Programs that combine character education with SEL serve both purposes simultaneously.
Health TEKS: Where Social-Emotional Standards Live
What the Standards Include
Texas's Health Education TEKS, adopted in 2020 and implemented in the 2022-23 school year, include a dedicated strand on social-emotional development at every elementary grade level.[2] The standards are organized under TEKS §115 and include expectations that directly parallel CASEL competencies:
Socio-Emotional Health, Self-Regulation, and Healthy Relationships
Students identify and apply strategies to develop socio-emotional health, self-regulation, and healthy relationships.[2]
Self-Assessment, Goal Setting, and Decision Making
Students develop the capacity for self-assessment and evaluation, goal setting, and decision making in order to develop a healthy self-concept.[2]
Mental Health and Wellness
Students develop and use appropriate skills to identify and manage conditions related to mental health and wellness.[2]
Grade-Level Expectations for Elementary
Kindergarten
Recognize and label basic emotions. Describe positive social skills and personal qualities (truth, kindness, reliability, respectfulness). Discuss the meaning of goals.[2]
Grade 1
Discuss ways to be kind to self and identify areas for growth. Explain the importance of goal setting and task completion. Discuss how to treat peers with different learning needs with dignity and respect.[2]
Grade 2
Identify and practice strategies to manage emotions. Describe how to effectively communicate needs, wants, and emotions in healthy ways. Practice steps to set and monitor progress toward a goal.[2]
Grade 3
Identify and explain healthy strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Describe strategies for resolving conflicts with peers and adults. Discuss how thoughts and feelings are connected to behavior.[2]
Grade 4
Describe the relationship between self-concept, healthy relationships, and emotional health. Apply strategies for managing emotions including anger, anxiety, and stress. Practice communication skills to strengthen healthy relationships.[2]
Grade 5
Analyze the relationship between self-concept, healthy relationships, and emotional health. Evaluate strategies for managing stress and conflict. Demonstrate refusal skills in peer pressure situations.[2]
These are required standards, not optional guidance. Texas elementary schools are expected to address them through health education instruction.
The TEKS-CASEL Alignment
| Health TEKS Content | CASEL Competency |
|---|---|
| Recognize and label emotions | Self-Awareness |
| Manage emotions and self-regulate | Self-Management |
| Treat peers with dignity and respect | Social Awareness |
| Communicate needs and resolve conflicts | Relationship Skills |
| Set goals and make responsible decisions | Responsible Decision-Making |
A comprehensive SEL curriculum that covers all five CASEL competencies addresses every social-emotional strand in the Health TEKS while also satisfying the character education mandate. This dual coverage is the most efficient path to compliance.
Mental Health Training Requirements
HB 3 (88th Legislature, 2023)
House Bill 3 established a requirement that all school district employees who regularly interact with students must complete evidence-based mental health training. The training focuses on recognizing and supporting students who experience mental health or substance use issues that may pose a threat to school safety.[3]
Phase-In Schedule
of applicable employees trained by 2025-26
trained by 2026-27
trained by 2027-28
trained by 2028-29
“Applicable employees” includes teachers, coaches, counselors, nurses, administrators, support personnel, paraprofessionals, substitutes, custodians, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, and crossing guards.[3]
SB 11 (2019)
Senate Bill 11 expanded TEA's role in school safety and mental health, including requirements for threat assessment teams and evidence-based programs that support student emotional wellbeing. SB 11 also established the foundation for the resources available at schoolmentalhealthtx.org, TEA's mental health resource hub.[5]
What This Means for Elementary Schools
The mental health training requirements create a school-wide expectation that every adult who interacts with students can recognize when a student is struggling emotionally. SEL instruction that builds students' capacity to identify their own emotions, regulate their responses, and seek help when needed complements the training adults receive.
The connection between SEL instruction and school safety is particularly relevant in Texas, where school safety legislation and funding have expanded significantly since 2019.
Texas School Safety Allotment: Funding for SEL and Character Education
What the Allotment Covers
The Texas School Safety Allotment, established under HB 3 (2019) and expanded by HB 2 (89th Legislature), provides dedicated funding for school safety and student support programs.[4]
$21.10
per student in average daily attendance (ADA)
$33,540
per campus
This funding can be used for:
- Character education programs
- Mental health and student wellbeing initiatives
- Social-emotional learning curriculum and materials
- Threat assessment team operations
- School safety infrastructure
- Professional development related to student mental health and safety
What This Means for Elementary Schools
A school with 500 students would receive approximately $10,550 in per-ADA funding plus $33,540 in per-campus funding, providing a substantial budget for selecting and implementing a comprehensive program. Districts can use these funds to purchase CASEL-aligned curriculum, provide professional development for teachers, and support implementation across the school year.
TEA's Recommended Programs Lists
Best Practice-Based Programs
Texas Education Code requires TEA, in coordination with the Health and Human Services Commission and regional education service centers, to provide and annually update a list of recommended best practice-based programs in areas including mental health education, managing emotions, establishing positive relationships, and responsible decision-making.[5] Districts that choose listed programs can demonstrate alignment with state expectations more easily.
The schoolmentalhealthtx.org Resource Hub
TEA maintains schoolmentalhealthtx.org as a central resource for districts implementing mental health and social-emotional support programs. The site includes program recommendations, implementation guidance, training resources, and information about the mental health training requirements.[6]
How to Align Your Elementary Program With Texas Requirements
Step 1: Ensure Character Education Compliance
Document your character education program as required by TEC §29.906. Your documentation should include:
- Which character traits your program addresses (referencing the traits named in the statute)
- How the program was selected (documenting parent, educator, and community consultation)
- How instruction is delivered (frequency, format, scope and sequence)
- How outcomes are measured (behavioral data, climate surveys, observational indicators)
A curriculum that combines character education with SEL covers the character traits Texas requires while building the broader social-emotional competencies the Health TEKS address.
Step 2: Map to Health TEKS
Document how your SEL and character education instruction addresses the social-emotional strands in the Health TEKS:
| Grade | Health TEKS Standard | Curriculum Coverage | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| K | Recognize and label basic emotions | Emotional vocabulary, feelings identification | 1, 5, 9 |
| 1 | Importance of goal setting | Goal setting, growth mindset | 2, 10 |
| 2 | Strategies to manage emotions | Calming strategies, self-regulation | 4, 6, 14 |
| 3 | Strategies for resolving conflicts | Conflict resolution, perspective-taking | 7, 15, 23 |
| 4 | Managing anger, anxiety, stress | Emotional regulation, coping skills | 4, 12, 20 |
| 5 | Refusal skills in peer pressure | Peer pressure, responsible decision-making | 22, 26 |
Step 3: Connect to Safety Allotment Funding
If your school uses Texas School Safety Allotment funds for SEL or character education curriculum, document the expenditure and its connection to student safety and wellbeing outcomes. The allotment is intended for programs that support school safety broadly defined, which includes the emotional wellbeing and self-regulation skills that prevent behavioral incidents.
Step 4: Support the Mental Health Training Requirement
Align your student-facing SEL instruction with the mental health training your staff is receiving under HB 3. When teachers learn to recognize students experiencing mental health challenges, and students simultaneously learn to identify and communicate their own emotional states, both systems reinforce each other.
Share your SEL scope and sequence with all staff (including non-teaching staff covered by the HB 3 training requirement) so they understand the vocabulary and strategies students are learning. A cafeteria worker who knows that students are learning “stop, think, act” can reinforce that language when a conflict arises in the lunch line.
Step 5: Consider the Character Plus Designation
If your school implements a comprehensive character education program, pursuing TEA's Character Plus School designation provides public recognition and creates a framework for continuous improvement. The designation requires documented instruction, stakeholder involvement, and measurable outcomes—all of which strengthen your program regardless of whether you ultimately apply.
Navigating the Political Landscape in Texas
Texas has experienced some of the most visible political debate around SEL in the country. Several practical considerations apply for Texas educators:
Use the language Texas uses.
Texas statutes reference “character education,” “positive character traits,” “personal skills,” “socio-emotional health,” and “mental health and wellness.” Using this language in your documentation, communication with parents, and program materials aligns with state terminology and avoids triggering political reactions that the term “SEL” may produce in some communities.
Lead with character traits and practical skills.
When communicating with parents, describe your program in concrete terms: “We teach students self-control, kindness, respect, responsibility, and how to resolve disagreements peacefully.” These are universally valued skills that most parents support regardless of political orientation.
Reference the statute.
Your character education program exists because Texas law requires it (TEC §29.906). When questioned about why your school teaches character and social-emotional skills, the answer is straightforward: “Texas law requires every school district to adopt a character education program. Our program addresses the character traits specified in the statute.”
Connect to school safety.
Texas has invested significantly in school safety legislation and funding. Framing social-emotional instruction as a school safety investment, which the research supports, aligns with priorities that have broad bipartisan support.
Invite transparency.
Share your curriculum materials with parents. Invite them to observe lessons. Make your scope and sequence publicly available. Transparency builds trust and prevents the suspicion that arises when parents feel excluded from knowing what their children are being taught.
Choosing a Curriculum for Texas Schools
When selecting character education and SEL curriculum for your Texas elementary school, verify that the program:
Addresses the character traits in TEC §29.906. Courage, trustworthiness, integrity, courtesy, kindness, respect, responsibility, fairness, and citizenship should all appear in the curriculum.
Aligns with Health TEKS social-emotional standards. The socio-emotional health, self-regulation, goal setting, and decision-making strands at each grade level should be covered.
Provides a full-year scope and sequence. Texas's standards are grade-level specific and progressive. A curriculum that covers only a few weeks does not meet the developmental progression the TEKS describe.
Offers bilingual access. Texas serves the second-largest English learner population in the country. Bilingual curriculum in English and Spanish supports equitable access.
Supports school safety connections. Given Texas's significant investment in school safety, curriculum that bridges character education, social-emotional skills, and safety preparedness serves multiple state priorities simultaneously.
Requires minimal prep. Texas elementary teachers face significant testing, documentation, and instructional demands. Programs that provide ready-to-use weekly lessons are more likely to be implemented consistently.
Produces documentable outcomes. The Character Plus designation and Safety Allotment reporting both require evidence of program impact. Your curriculum should generate observable, measurable student outcomes.
What to Avoid
Ignoring the Character Education Mandate
TEC §29.906 is a requirement, not a suggestion. Schools that do not have a documented character education program are out of compliance with Texas law, regardless of whether they teach the skills informally.
Using the Safety Allotment Without Documenting Outcomes
Schools that spend Safety Allotment funds on SEL or character education curriculum without tracking outcomes (behavioral data, climate surveys, discipline referrals) cannot demonstrate that the funding produced results. Document before you implement.
Assuming Texas Does Not Expect Social-Emotional Instruction
The absence of standalone “SEL standards” does not mean the absence of social-emotional expectations. The Health TEKS, the character education mandate, and the mental health training requirements collectively create a comprehensive set of expectations for social-emotional instruction in Texas elementary schools.
Selecting a Program Without Parent Consultation
TEC §29.906 requires districts to consult with parents in selecting character education programs. Skipping this step creates both a compliance issue and a community trust issue. Involve parents in the selection process and make materials available for review.
Final Thoughts
Texas takes a different path to the same destination as states with explicit SEL standards. The character education mandate ensures that schools teach positive traits. The Health TEKS ensure that schools address emotional regulation, relationship skills, and decision-making. The mental health training ensures that adults can recognize when students are struggling. And the School Safety Allotment provides dedicated funding for all of it.
For Texas elementary schools, the practical path is to choose a program that satisfies both the character education mandate and the Health TEKS social-emotional standards simultaneously. A curriculum that combines character traits with CASEL-aligned social-emotional skill building does this efficiently, covering the traits Texas law names and the skills the TEKS describe in a single weekly lesson structure that teachers can actually implement.
The requirements are real. The funding exists. The question is execution.
References
- [1]
Texas Education Code §29.906. Character education programs.
https://tea.texas.gov/academics/learning-support-and-programs/character-education - [2]
Texas Education Agency. (2020). Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Health Education, Chapter 115.
https://tea.texas.gov/laws-and-rules/texas-administrative-code/19-tac-chapter-115 - [3]
Texas Association of School Boards. (2025). Required mental health training.
https://www.tasb.org/news-insights/required-mental-health-training - [4]
Ori Learning. (2026). Texas character education curriculum: Funding and implementation guide.
https://orilearning.com/texas-character-education-curriculum/ - [5]
NASBE State Policy Database. (n.d.). Social-emotional learning or character development: Texas.
https://statepolicies.nasbe.org/health/categories/social-emotional-climate/social-emotional-learning-or-character-development/texas - [6]
School Mental Health Texas. (2025). TEA mental health awareness training requirement information.
https://schoolmentalhealthtx.org - [7]
Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students' social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01564.x - [8]
Cipriano, C., Strambler, M. J., Naples, L. H., et al. (2023). The state of evidence for social and emotional learning: A contemporary meta-analysis of universal school-based SEL interventions. Child Development, 94(5), 1181-1204.
https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13968
Character Education and SEL for Texas Schools
Be The Buffalo combines character traits with CASEL-aligned social-emotional skill building in 40 weeks of K-5 curriculum. Covers courage, kindness, respect, responsibility, self-regulation, conflict resolution, and goal setting. Aligns with Health TEKS social-emotional standards and TEC §29.906 character education requirements. Interactive projector activities, original songs, stories, printable worksheets, and teacher guides. Bilingual English and Spanish. No student accounts. No devices. No prep.
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