The COVID-19 pandemic and high profile presidential election have both highlighted the essential role of local Texas governance, and there is no better time to help students learn about how it works. 

In the first-ever state adaptation of an iCivics game, Counties Work: Texas, students will be tasked with managing their own Texas county to learn about what their local government does and how it solves community issues. Students will make decisions regarding the programs and services that impact residents and will see how their choices shape the community.

With support from Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership at Texas Woman's University, we’ve customized the content and art in Counties Work: Texas to mirror local Texas counties. We’ve also improved the player experience. Play the game and explore:

• A new game guide and Extension Pack (coming soon!) full of resources to facilitate in-depth conversations with students about the real issues counties in Texas face right now.
• Improved accessibility for English language learners and struggling native-English readers, including a Spanish version of the game, English voice over, and an embedded glossary. 

The creation of Counties Work: Texas is part of a broader effort on behalf of both TWU and iCivics to improve civic education throughout the state of Texas. Both organizations are leading members of the Texas Civic Education Coalition, a bipartisan network of educators, non-profits, community organizations, museums, and interested citizens aimed at supporting innovative legislation, funding, and policies that facilitate high-quality and equitable K-12 civic learning opportunities.

We hope your students have a great time learning about the role of local government in the Lone Star State!