Education in Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Education in Texas - Essay Example Origins of Public Education in Texas The origins of the public education system in Texas grew out of the dissolution of an alliance between Mexico and Texas. Prior to 1835 the agreement between the two states stipulated that Mexico be responsible for education in that particular region of the United States. Because of the dissolution of the agreement and the enactment of the Texas Declaration of Independence of 1836 the responsibility of educating the public shifted from Mexico to the State of Texas. Major Milestones The education system in Texas has progressively evolved over the last 150 years. The development of the education system grew in response to the needs of the citizens and the demands of regional commerce. Some of the major historical milestones of the education system in Texas include: 1840 – First Anglo-American school opened; 17,712 acres of land in each county in the state designated for public schools (Texas Education Agency, 2011). 1845 – A specific pe rcentage of annual tax revenue set aside for free public education; creation of the Permanent School Fund (McClellan, 2011). 1876 – State Constitution of 1876 set aside 45 million acres of public lands for schools; funds held within the Permanent School Fund invested in bonds (Texas Education Agency, 2011). 1884 - School laws rewritten; re-creation of the duties and responsibilities of the State Superintendent of Education; ad valorem tax affirmed to create a consistent source of income for the public education system (Texas Education Agency, 2011). 1885 - Statewide school accreditation system developed and implemented (Texas Education Agency, 2011). 1949 - Senator A. M. Aikin and State Representative Claud Gilmer organize committees to reform education system (Gilmer-Aikin laws); teachers’ salaries and standardization of teaching credentials established (Erekson, 2010, p. 1033) 1957 – Assessment and evaluation of the effectiveness of the Gilmer-Aikin laws (Texa s Education Agency, 2011). 1984 - House Bill 72 increased teachers’ salaries and restructured school financing enabling a shift of resources from wealthier school districts to poorer performing districts (Texas Education Agency, 2011). 2001- No Child Left Behind (U.S. Department of Education, 2011). Reforms and Revisions The development of the education system, management agencies, state municipalities, along with individual school districts throughout the State has been an ongoing process. Pivotal events in the United States’ history such as the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and integration influenced the formation of the education system in Texas. From the inception and establishment of the first public school in 1840, leaders, elected administrators, and lawmakers sought ways in which to deliver the highest quality of education available for the residents of Texas (Texas Education Agency, 2011). Provisions for permanent funding for the education system did not occ ur until 1845 in which the Permanent School Fund was created. The fund created specific financing options for educating students in Texas; its purpose was to lighten the burden on citizens paying taxes and to produce an alternate way of funding public education. The predecessor of the Permanent Sch