12.1 The history and development of the Texas education system
4 min read•august 16, 2024
Texas education has evolved from colonial mission schools to a complex modern system. The journey includes key legislation, court decisions, and ongoing debates about funding and accountability.
Today's system involves various stakeholders, from policymakers to educators. While progress has been made in access and diversity, challenges persist in addressing achievement gaps and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.
Evolution of Texas Education
Colonial Origins and Early Statehood
Top images from around the web for Colonial Origins and Early Statehood
_UTA.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Timeline of the Republic of Texas - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:1835 Bradford Map of Texas.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Texas Government 1.0, Texas' Constitution, Chapter 2.3: Constitution of the Republic of Texas ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Timeline of the Republic of Texas - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:1835 Bradford Map of Texas.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Colonial Origins and Early Statehood
Timeline of the Republic of Texas - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:1835 Bradford Map of Texas.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Texas Government 1.0, Texas' Constitution, Chapter 2.3: Constitution of the Republic of Texas ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Timeline of the Republic of Texas - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:1835 Bradford Map of Texas.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Texas education system originated in Spanish colonial period with mission schools for Native American children and religious instruction
- Republic of Texas era (1836-1845) Constitution of 1836 mandated establishment of public education system
- Implementation limited due to financial constraints
- Common School Era (1854-1949) created state-funded public school system
- School Law of 1854 established
Modernization and Standardization
- of 1949 modernized Texas education system
- Created
- Implemented reforms in school funding and administration
- Standardized testing implementation began with in 1980
- Marked shift towards accountability in education
- curriculum standards adopted in 1997
- Established statewide learning objectives for each subject and grade level
- Ongoing debates over school finance and accountability measures
- Include discussions on property tax reform and alternative funding sources
Impact of Legislation and Court Decisions
Constitutional and Legislative Foundations
- Texas Constitution of 1876 established Permanent School Fund
- Provides financial support through land and mineral rights revenues
- required school attendance for children ages 8-14
- Increased enrollment and literacy rates significantly
- (federal) and subsequent state legislation
- Mandated bilingual education programs in Texas schools
- Addressed needs of growing Hispanic student population
Landmark Court Decisions
- (1954) led to desegregation of Texas schools
- Implementation met with resistance
- Full realization took years to achieve
- series (1989-1995)
- Challenged constitutionality of Texas school finance system
- Led to reforms aimed at equalizing funding between property-rich and property-poor districts
Federal Influence and Accountability
- Act of 2001 and state-level implementation
- Emphasized standardized testing and school accountability measures
- Introduced Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements for schools
- of 2015 replaced No Child Left Behind
- Provided more flexibility to states in setting education standards and accountability measures
Stakeholders in Texas Education
Government Entities and Policymakers
- determines education policy, funding, and standards
- Passes laws affecting curriculum, testing, and school operations
- establishes curriculum standards
- Adopts textbooks and instructional materials
- Oversees management of Permanent School Fund
- Texas Education Agency (TEA) implements policies and oversees public education
- Led by Commissioner of Education
- Manages statewide assessment and accountability systems
Educational Professionals and Advocates
- Teacher unions and professional organizations influence education policy
- advocates for educators' interests
- Association of Texas Professional Educators provides professional development and lobbying
- Parent-teacher associations and community groups participate in local school governance
- influences state-level education policies through advocacy campaigns
- Business and industry leaders align education with workforce needs
- advocates for education reform to improve workforce readiness
- Local chambers of commerce often partner with schools for internship and mentorship programs
Challenges and Successes of Equal Access
Achievements in Access and Diversity
- Texas increased overall student enrollment and graduation rates
- Improvements particularly notable among historically underserved populations
- Magnet schools and expanded educational options
- Debates continue over impact on traditional public schools
- Texas developed programs for English language learners
- Implemented dual language immersion programs in many districts
- Challenges remain in ensuring equitable outcomes for growing ELL population
Persistent Disparities and Ongoing Challenges
- Achievement gaps between racial and socioeconomic groups persist
- Various initiatives aimed at closing disparities (tutoring programs, targeted interventions)
- School finance system faces ongoing legal challenges and policy debates
- Property tax-based funding contributes to disparities between districts
- Robin Hood system attempts to redistribute funds from wealthy to poorer districts
- Access to advanced coursework and college preparatory programs varies
- Rural and low-income urban areas often have fewer opportunities
- Efforts to expand AP and dual credit courses in underserved areas
Special Education and Equity Efforts
- Texas made progress in special education access and services
- Faced criticism and federal intervention for past policies limiting student identification
- Recent efforts to improve special education services and compliance with federal laws
- Ongoing initiatives to address digital divide in education
- Programs to provide devices and internet access to low-income students
- Challenges highlighted by shift to remote learning during COVID-19 pandemic
Key Terms to Review (29)
Bilingual Education Act of 1968: The Bilingual Education Act of 1968 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at improving educational opportunities for students with limited English proficiency. This act recognized the need for bilingual education programs in schools to help students maintain their native language while acquiring English, thus promoting academic success and cultural identity. The act laid the groundwork for federal funding and support for bilingual education initiatives, particularly benefiting communities with significant populations of non-English speaking students.
Brown v. Board of Education: Brown v. Board of Education was a landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, effectively overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896. This decision played a crucial role in the civil rights movement by providing a legal foundation for desegregation efforts across the United States, including Texas, where the fight against educational inequality was significant.
Charter schools: Charter schools are publicly funded independent schools that operate under a charter, which is a performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, students served, and methods of assessment. These schools offer a unique alternative to traditional public schools, often emphasizing innovative teaching methods and curriculum flexibility while being held accountable for academic results and financial practices.
Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement was a social and political movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans. This movement sought to secure equal rights under the law, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds had access to education, employment, and public services without discrimination. Its impacts can be seen in various aspects of society, including immigration patterns, educational reforms, constitutional amendments, and the evolution of the education system.
Compulsory education law of 1915: The compulsory education law of 1915 mandated that children in Texas must attend school until they reached a certain age, which aimed to increase literacy rates and ensure that all children received an education. This law represented a significant step towards a more structured and uniform education system in Texas, as it helped to establish the state's commitment to providing educational opportunities for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Edgewood Independent School District v. Kirby: Edgewood Independent School District v. Kirby was a landmark 1984 Texas Supreme Court case that addressed the issue of school funding equity in Texas. The court ruled that the state's system of financing public schools was unconstitutional because it relied heavily on local property taxes, which led to significant disparities in funding between wealthy and poor school districts, thereby violating the Texas Constitution's guarantee of an efficient system of public education.
Establishment of public schools: The establishment of public schools refers to the creation and organization of state-funded educational institutions intended to provide free education to all children. This development played a crucial role in increasing literacy rates, promoting civic engagement, and fostering social equality within the diverse population of Texas, thereby laying the groundwork for an organized education system.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a U.S. law enacted in December 2015 that governs K-12 public education and aims to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education. It replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and shifts significant decision-making power from the federal government to individual states, allowing them to set their own educational standards and accountability systems while still maintaining certain federal requirements.
Gilmer-Aikin Laws: The Gilmer-Aikin Laws are a set of education reforms enacted in Texas in 1949 aimed at reorganizing and improving the state's public education system. These laws established a more structured framework for school governance, funding, and educational standards, which were essential for addressing the issues of inequality and inadequacy in Texas education at the time. The reforms resulted in the creation of regional education service centers and a more equitable distribution of state funds to school districts, significantly shaping the future of public education in Texas.
Independent school districts: Independent school districts are specific types of school districts in Texas that operate independently of other governmental entities, such as cities or counties. They are created by the state to provide public education at the local level, allowing for greater control over local educational policies and funding. This structure enables communities to tailor educational programs to meet their unique needs and preferences.
Integration of schools: Integration of schools refers to the process of bringing together students from different racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds into the same educational institutions. This term is closely linked to the broader civil rights movement and aimed at dismantling the segregation policies that had historically divided students along racial lines, particularly in the southern United States including Texas.
John H. Reagan: John H. Reagan was a prominent Texas politician and statesman known for his influential roles in the development of the Texas education system and public policy during the 19th century. He served as the first Commissioner of Education for Texas and played a critical part in shaping the state's educational framework during a time of significant growth and change, promoting public education and advocating for reform.
Mirabeau B. Lamar: Mirabeau B. Lamar was the second president of the Republic of Texas, serving from 1838 to 1841, and is often regarded as a key figure in the development of the Texas education system. He emphasized the importance of public education and advocated for the establishment of a public school system, believing that an educated populace was essential for the growth and success of Texas.
No Child Left Behind: No Child Left Behind (NCLB) was a U.S. federal law enacted in 2001 aimed at improving educational outcomes for all students by increasing accountability in schools. It required states to develop assessments in basic skills and mandated that schools meet specific performance benchmarks, with the goal of closing achievement gaps among different student groups. This legislation had significant implications for the education system, including Texas, influencing funding, curriculum, and the evaluation of schools.
Permanent School Fund: The Permanent School Fund is a state fund established to support public education in Texas, created in 1854 with the aim of providing financial resources for public schools. It operates as an endowment, primarily funded by proceeds from land sales and mineral royalties, and its investment earnings are used to help finance educational programs and services across the state.
Progressive education: Progressive education is an educational philosophy that emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and the development of social skills over rote memorization and standardized testing. It focuses on teaching students how to think rather than what to think, promoting a more holistic approach to education that prepares them for active participation in society.
San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez: San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriguez was a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case decided in 1973 that addressed the issue of school funding inequalities in Texas. The case challenged the constitutionality of Texas's public school finance system, arguing that it discriminated against students from low-income families and violated their right to equal protection under the law. This decision had a significant impact on the development and reforms of the Texas education system, highlighting issues of equity and access to quality education.
School choice movement: The school choice movement advocates for policies that allow parents to choose their children's educational options, including charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling, rather than being limited to their assigned public school. This movement emphasizes the belief that parents should have the power to select the best educational environment for their children based on individual needs and preferences, promoting competition and accountability among schools.
School finance reform: School finance reform refers to efforts aimed at improving the way public education is funded to ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographic location, have access to quality education. These reforms address issues such as funding disparities, inadequate resources, and the need for equitable distribution of state and local funds among school districts. The importance of school finance reform lies in its potential to create a more just education system that fosters equal opportunities for all students.
State Board of Education (SBOE): The State Board of Education (SBOE) is a governing body in Texas responsible for overseeing public education, setting educational standards, and adopting curriculum frameworks. The SBOE plays a vital role in shaping educational policies, managing the state's educational budget, and ensuring compliance with federal and state education laws.
Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS): The Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS) was an educational assessment program implemented in Texas to evaluate students' proficiency in basic academic skills, including reading, writing, and mathematics. It served as a significant tool for measuring student performance and school accountability in the state’s educational system during the 1980s and 1990s.
Texas Association of Business: The Texas Association of Business (TAB) is a prominent statewide business organization that advocates for pro-business policies and economic growth in Texas. It plays a crucial role in shaping the political landscape by influencing legislation, representing the interests of businesses, and serving as a platform for collaboration among business leaders. TAB’s activities include lobbying, providing resources for business development, and addressing various issues such as education, workforce development, and healthcare that are critical to the state's economic environment.
Texas Education Agency: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is the state agency responsible for overseeing primary and secondary public education in Texas. It plays a crucial role in setting educational standards, implementing policies, and ensuring that schools comply with state and federal regulations. The TEA also administers funding for public education and oversees various programs aimed at improving educational outcomes across the state.
Texas Education Code: The Texas Education Code is a comprehensive set of laws and regulations that govern the state's education system, including public schools, higher education institutions, and educational policies. It serves as the legal framework for educational operations and standards in Texas, outlining the responsibilities of various stakeholders like educators, students, and school districts.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) are a set of educational standards that outline what students in Texas should know and be able to do at each grade level across various subjects. These standards serve as a framework for curriculum development and student assessment, ensuring a consistent educational experience throughout the state, particularly in the evolution of the Texas education system.
Texas Legislature: The Texas Legislature is the bicameral legislative body of the state of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It plays a critical role in shaping state laws, budgeting, and overall governance. This body not only reflects the interests and demographics of Texas but also impacts vital areas such as transportation infrastructure and educational policy, shaping the state's development and response to its challenges.
Texas PTA: The Texas Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a statewide organization dedicated to advocating for the education and well-being of children in Texas schools. Established to enhance the partnership between families and educators, the Texas PTA plays a crucial role in promoting educational initiatives, supporting teachers, and addressing issues affecting students and their families.
Texas Revolution: The Texas Revolution was a rebellion from October 1835 to April 1836 in which American settlers in Texas fought for independence from Mexico. This conflict marked a significant turning point that led to the creation of the Republic of Texas and influenced various aspects of Texas's political, economic, and social landscape.
Texas State Teachers Association: The Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) is a professional organization that advocates for educators and promotes quality public education in Texas. It serves as an important voice for teachers, providing resources, support, and representation in policy-making, which connects to the political landscape of education and the role of interest groups in influencing legislation and electoral outcomes.