Texas Public Education

According to the Texas Public Education Web site, "Texans have long been concerned about the education of their children." Texas is one of the largest states in the United States, and with that comes one of the largest public school systems. From Dallas to El Paso, Texas prides itself on its public education.

I’m a 21 – year – old college student who was exposed not only to public education in Texas but also private education in Texas. I’ve seen both sides of the education system. My mother has always been involved in the PTA, as well as beginning an organization called SAGE that revolves around special needs students. Education, specifically public education has always been something my family values.

Currently, the Texas education system is facing challenges. With the budget shortfall, schools are looking to lose significant amounts of funding. The media is not taking this issue as serious as it should, and I want to address those issues in this blog. From teachers being laid off to programs losing funding, I want to look at it all.

If you have turned on the news or picked up a newspaper recently you can see the downfalls of cutting Texas public education funding. There are protests to keep schools open and teachers in need of money who are being laid off. It is not just a local issue because it affects every part of Texas. However, in Austin it’s even more important because we are in the city where all the significant decisions are being made.

Since public schools are beginning to prepare for cuts, there have been talks about special education schools no longer being able to accept new admissions although those applying need the services. Not to mention the cuts made to public schools are taking away revenue that could be put towards programs that educate students in not only academics but the arts and sports. And then there is the major concern for teachers. With budget cuts Texas public schools may not be able to offer competitive salaries to attract the best educators.

It’s important to not only know about these issues but to understand them. Public education is what Texas thrives on. By educating the younger generations, schools are preparing them to be the future of the state. Although it is impossible at this point to look somewhere else to cut funding, budget cuts should only occur where they are absolutely necessary and will do the least amount of damage.

This issue is personally important to me because I have younger brother with special needs being educated in the public school system here. Special education services are already limited to students, and the budget cuts aren’t going to help. By making people aware of the current issue the may be encouraged to become involved and give back. Although it is not possible to stop school closings or to save every school program, it is possible to raise awareness, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

For more information on the budget shortfall as well as public school funding cuts visit the Texas Tribune.