Three Important Events in Texas' Public Education HIstory

Top 3 Events

in the

History of Texas Public Education

 

After listening to week one’s lecture and doing some research into the establishment of the public school education system in the state of Texas, there were several important events in the history of Texas education system. Three of which are listed below:

 

1. One major event in the historical background of public education in Texas is that the Republic of Texas became the state of Texas in 1845 and the new Texas Constitution provided for the establishment of free schools and for state taxes to support education.

                Reason for Importance: The reason for Texas wanting to separate from Mexico and declare its Independence is that there was no system of public education had been established. Setting

the establishment of the public school system into the Texas Constitution set in motion the act
of holding the state responsible for providing all citizens a free public education.

 

2. In my opinion, another important event in the history of public education in Texas in 1947 the

    Gilmer-Aiken Committee was established to make public schools more efficient and better
    funded.
 

                Reason for Importance: The laws established by this committee significantly impacted the

                system of public education in Texas. Some examples of laws enacted include reducing the

                number of school districts to better service the needs of districts, increasing teacher salaries,  and improving the structure of the State Board of Education. Most important was holding

the state more responsible for providing adequate funding for public education. If you want

to provide a free education for all you have to be held accountable for making sure that

you support the needs of the system. It is the same as when parents are held responsible or

accountable for supporting their children. Even though parents may not be together, each party

is responsible for supporting the needs of the child or children.

 

3. Lastly, another important event in the history of Texas public education is that Senate Bill 1 was   

    approved by the Texas Supreme Court in 1995 in which wealth would be distributed by having
   property wealthy districts distribute revenue by selecting one of five methods.

 

                Reason for Importance: Every student in the state of Texas should have access to not only

                a free public education but an equitable education as well. By having wealthier districts
                distribute funds to poorer districts aides in providing access to the same opportunities
                wealthier districts have that poorer districts would not otherwise be able to afford.