The Texas Public School System has seen its fair share of criticisms, debates, and lawsuits. The issues that the Texas Public School System acknowledge have stacked up over the years. They include daily lesson plans, standardized testing, school finance and school choice. (Dianne Smith, Texas Education: To 5 Issues at the Legislature, Star Telegram, January 25, 2015). The Texas legislature, the sitting boards of school districts, teachers and parents all want their voices heard and represented when making these important decisions. This has created a great deal of conflict.
One of the most outspoken legislators, Sen. Dan Patrick (R) Houston, founder of the Texas Legislature Tea Party Caucus, and radio talk show host, argued “…that CSCOPE was created illegally and contains anti-American and anti-Christian lessons.” (Will Weissert, Debate Again Thrusts CSCOPE into Texas Spotlight, Associated Press, Statesman, August, 24, 2013). CSCOPE, now known as Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) want to continue standardized testing in regard to the lesson plans that educate 35% of the state’s school districts. Many parents were upset that the lessons leaned toward viewing the historical Boston Tea Party as “terrorists,” and leaned too heavily on information of Islam in the World Religions lesson plans. Thomas Radcliff, the Education Boards (R) Vice Chairman, sees things differently. He explains that there is a bias view on these issues in the lesson plans and that we should all take a more “international perspective” when it comes to the curriculum.
When it comes to school finance, “the Texas Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments filed by 600 school districts to determine if the current funding of Texas Schools violates the Texas Constitution.” (Dianne Smith, Texas Education: Top 5 Issues at the Legislature). Rep. Chris Turner (D), Grand Prairie is adamant about the current funding system being unconstitutional and also that the $5 billion that was cut from the budget in 2011, should be restored.
Another issue that Sen. Dan Patrick feels is necessary is that of school vouchers. This involves a voucher program being set up “…so parents can use state money for private or parochial school.” (Diane Smith, Texas Education: Top 5 Issues at the Legislature”. The UEAT is concerned with non-regulation of private schools and that it will take money out of the school districts. Those against this issue continue an uphill fight.
There are many issues involving education in Texas schools. And those who are passionate about these issues on either side are encouraged to find solutions to these educational problems.
- Dianne Smith, Texas Education: Top 5 Issues at the Legislature, Star Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas January 25,2015, www.startelegram.com/news/local/education/article8116701.html
- Will Weissert, Associated Press, Debate Again Thrusts CSCOPE into Texas Spotlight, Statesman, Austin, Texas, August, 24, 2013 www.statesman.com/news/news/debate-again-thrusts-cscope-into-texas-spotlight/nZbxF/
