Chapter 26, Student Web Activities, Texas and Texans, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 26: Texas Today
"Public Education in Texas"

Introduction
Do you think your school courses are difficult? Well, you should. Texas has some high expectations of its students. The good news is that when you graduate from high school, you can be assured that you have received a good education. Chapter 26 discusses some of the school reforms that have made Texas education so successful. In this activity, you will learn more about the history of public education in Texas.

Destination Title: Texas Education Agency

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Directions
Start at the Texas Education Agency Web site.

Click on About TEA in the menu on the left of the screen.
Scroll down and click on History of Public Education.
Read the information provided.

After you have read through the information, answer the following questions.

1. What educational reason did the Texas Declaration of Independence give for cutting political ties with Mexico?

2. How did the state constitution of 1876 provide for education?

3. What steps were taken to help rural schools achieve the same quality in education as the independent or urban school districts?

4. When was House Bill 72 passed, and what were some of its provisions?

5. What is your favorite class in school this year? What makes it your favorite class? Is it difficult or fairly easy? Why are end-of-year tests important? In the space below, write an essay answering these questions. Use standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation when writing your essay.