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Do we actually know what we're fighting over with Iran? Tune in to The Public Square® today to hear more.
Topic: International News
The Public Square® with hosts Dave Zanotti and Wayne Shepherd
thepublicsquare.com
Air Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
One vote can decide whether a generation learns a clear, content-rich story of American history or a vague set of standards that can be stretched to fit almost anything. Rick Green sits down with Julie Pickering from the Texas State Board of Education, with David Barton adding long-range context on why Texas standards don’t stay in Texas. When TEKS change in a major state, textbook publishers and other states follow, which is why this June meeting matters nationwide.
Julie walks us through how social studies standards are built: the approved framework, the work groups, the role of content advisors, and the reality-check of more than 5,000 teacher survey responses saying the current standards are too generalized. We dig into what teachers mean by “mastery,” why specificity protects parents and classrooms, and how broad language can be used to claim controversial materials are fully aligned to state standards.
We also talk about the deeper purpose of civics and history education: helping students understand the why behind the Declaration of Independence, the role of founding documents, Western civilization, and the Judeo-Christian ideas that shaped American law and public life. Julie explains why the second reading and final adoption in late June could turn into a battle over a full substitute document, and she shares how listeners can pray and how public testimony can influence the outcome.
If you care about curriculum, textbooks, and what kids are actually learning, listen through to the end, then subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. What do you want students to know about America by the time they graduate?
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Beyond meeting our needs, the God of the Bible is the God that takes us deeper—to give us Himself.
History never recorded her name, yet the quiet faith and courage of Noah’s wife helped carry her family through one of the most dramatic moments in human history.
Are you helping your teen — or holding them back? In this episode, Mark shares a powerful story about a young adult unprepared for real life, and the well-meaning parenting that led her there. Drawing from Galatians 6:5, Mark challenges parents to rethink overprotecting, overproviding and over-involving. Because somewhere along the way, every teen must learn to carry their own load. If you’ve ever struggled to know when to step in and when to step back, this episode offers practical wisdom to help you raise responsible, resilient young adults.
Learn four ways to foster growth and respect in your teen here: fostering-growth-respect-in-teens
Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.
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You want to be open about your faith—but not that person. Pushy. Scripted. Weird. So you stay quiet. Meanwhile, life’s already full—kids’ games, long weekends, surface-level talk. What if sports evangelism didn’t feel like a setup? Heather Reddy, national women's soccer chaplain with Athletes in Action, gets the tension and offers a more natural way to connect—right where you already are, without forcing the moment.
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