ERIC ED364939: Texas Public School Education: Aiming for Excellence and Equity, 1990-1992. A Biennial Report to the 73rd Texas Legislature from the State Board of Education and the Texas Education Agency.

78 Pages·1993·2 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
EA 025 465
ED 364 939
Texas Public School Education: Aiming for Excellence
TITLE
and Equity, 1990-1992. A Biennial Report to the 73rd
Texas Legislature from the State Board of Education
and the Texas Education Agency.
Texas Education Agency, Austin.
INSTITUTION
REPORT NO
GE3-130-03
PUB DATE
93
NOTE
78p.
AVAILABLE FROM Texas Education Agency, Publications Distribution
Office, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, TX
78701-1494 ($2).
Descriptive (141)
Reports
PUB TYPE
MF01/PC04 Plus Postage.
EDRS PRICE
DESCRIPTORS Academic Achievement; Curriculum Development;
*Educational Equity (Finance); Educational Finance;
"Educational Objectives; Educational Policy;
*Educational Quality; Elementary Secondary Education;
Organizational Communication; Parent Participation;
Personnel Policy; *Public Schools; Research and
Development; School Business Relationship; School
Community Relationship; School Organization; *State
Action; State Aid; *Strategic Planning
IDENTIFIERS
*Texas
ABSTRACT
This document details state-level actions taken in
Texas during 1990-92 as part of the state's continuing
education-reform efforts. Following the state's educational mission
statement and long-range plan for public education (1991-1995), nine
sections detail the state's educational goals and objectives, which
(1) all students will achieve their full educational
include:
(2) a well-balanced and appropriate curriculum will be
potential;
provided to all students; (3) qualified and effective personnel will
(4) the organization and management of all
be attracted and retained;
levels of the educational system will be productive, efficient, and
(5) the financing of public education will be adequate,
accountable;
equitable, and efficient; (6) parents v.ill be full partners in the
education of their children;
(7) businesses and other members of the
community will be partners in the improvement of schools;
(8)
instruction and administration will be improved through research that
identifies creative and effective methods; and (9) communications
among all public education interests will be consistent, timely, and
effective. Appendices contain the public education program budget and
the agency operating budget for 1991-93.
(LMI)
*****************A*****************************************************
*
Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made
*
*
from the original document.
***********************************************************************
EXCELLENCE AND EQUITY
FOR ALL STUDENTS
TEXAS PUBLIC
SCHOOL EDUCATION:
AIMING FOR
EXCELLENCE
AND EQUITY
1990-1992
U.S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Educatronal Research and Improvement
ONce
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION
CENTER (ERIC)
has been reproduced as
Pr.rh:d0Cumen1
received from the person Or 0,0anizalicin
ortginalinci rt
C Minor chancres Rave Dean made to improve
rproduction Quality
Foust', of we* or oramons stated in thm docu-
ment do hOt noCeasanly 'present pillow
OERI positron or policy
PENMISStI tv 10 r-tEPR0DJCE THIS
MATERIAL CHAS BEEN GPANIED BY
TC THE EDI.ICAii,iNAt HE:-AitiRCES
Texas Education Agency
1)c.,
INFORMA1ION C.ENTER (ERIC
Austin, Texas
V
UST COPY AVAILAELE
EXCELLENCE AND EQUITY
FOR ALL STUDENTS
TEXAS PUBLIC
SCHOOL EDUCATION:
AIMING
FOR
EXCELLENCE
AND EQUITY
A Biennial Report to the 73rd Texas Legislature
From the State Board of Education
and the Texas Education Agency
1990-1992
Texas Education Agency
'chi, publication i not cop\ righted: an. or all ,ectioa,. ma: be duplicated.
Austin, Texas
After an initial free di,tribution to authorized last:union,. additional copie,
ma. be purcluu.ed for S2.00 from the Publication, 1)i,tribution Office of
the Texa, Educatiov A gene.. 1701 North Congre,, Avenue. lastin. TX
78701-11-91.
State Board of Education
1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas 78701-1494
[phone]
The Honorable Ann W. Richards. Governor of Texas
The Honorable Bob Bullock. Lieutenant Governor of Texas
The Honorable Pete Laney. Speaker of the House
Members of the 73rd Legislature
Carolyn Honea Crawford. Ph.D.
adirmar.
As Texas entered the decade of the 1990s. efforts to improve
Will D. Davis
Vice Champ try
the states public education system shifted from an approach
emphasizing compliance with restrictive mandates to one
Mary Helen Berlanga
relay,
emphasizing flexibility with accountability. At the same time.
the State Board of Education launched a major effort to
Alma A. Allen. Ed.D.
achieve excellence and equity in student achievement. Em-
;
I
phasis has been placed on improving performance. instead
Jack Christie. D.C.
of adherence to prescribed processes and programs. Our
education program has become a cooperative. results-based.
Eleanor N. Conrad
:
partnership approach under which the program is negotiable
Monte Husk.
but the student is non-negotiable. This approach has enabled
the state to make significant progress in realizing the dramatic
William L. Hudson
improvement in student achievement necessary to successfully
Patsy Johnson
lead the state into the twenty-first century.
Geraldine Miller
This report fulfills requirements of Texas Education Code.
Hens Nur:"
Section 11.26 (c)W. which requires a biennial report to the
:
k.!
Legislature on activities of (he State Board of Education and
Robert H. (Mott
Central Education Agency. The report details state-level
Diane Patrick
actions during the last two years as part of the state's continu-
ing education reform efforts.
Mary snorts Perkins
Esteban
Sofia
We arc all acutely aware of the importance of our public
education system to the future success of Texas. The State
Board of Education looks forward to continuing to work with
ou as we develop a world-class system of public education
Lionel R. Men°. Ed.D.
which will ensure a bright future for all Texans.
,
Siticurely.
.
Carol. n Honea Craw ford. Chairman
State Board of Education
Biennial ReportPage iii
it
A
STATE BOARD
ALMA A. ALLEN
GERALDINE MILLER
Houston
Dallas
OF EDUCATION
District 4
District 12
(State Board
RENE Nt SEZ
JACK CHRISTIE
El Paso
for
Houston
District 6
District 1
Vocational
ROBERT IL OFR TT
ELEANOR N. CONRAD
Education)
San Antonio
Dallas
District 13
District 3
CROLYN HONEA CRAAN FORD
MONTE HASIE
DIANE PATRICK
Beaumont
Lubbock
Arlington
Chairman
District 15
District 11
District
\\HIRAI I,. HI1)sO\
MAR\ KNOTT'S PERKINS
\\ ILL. I), DA IS
\\ ichita Falls
Lufkin
District 14
District 8
Austin
ice Chairman
District lo
PATSY JOHNSON
ESTEBAN SOSA
Sulphur Springs
San .Antonio
MAR\ IIEI.EN BERLANGA
District 9
District 3
Corpus Christi
Secretar!.
District 2
LIONEL R. MEMO. G11111,16...40%119- of Education
(E.ecutiNe Officer of the State Board of Education
COMMITTEES
Personnel
Long-Range Planning
RENE NI
Chairman
MARY KNOTTS PERKINS. Chairman
OF THE
ALMA A. ALLEN
ALMA A. ALLEN
JACK CHRISTIE
JACK CHRISTIE
STATE BOARD
ELEANOR N. CON R
ELEANOR N. CONRAD
OF EDUCATION
DIANE PATRICK
CAROLNN 110NEA (AM\ FORD
Al ILI, I). DAVIS
Students
PATSY JOHNSON
GrRAIDI
miLLR. chairman
DIANE PATRICK
min HELEN BERLANGA
Permanent School Fund
PATSN JOHNSON
ROBERT II. OFFI Tr
ESTEBAN SOSA. Chairman
11ARl KNOTTS PERKINS
MR\ HELEN BERLINGA
MONTE HASH:.
School Finance
ILLI M L. III DSO\
1\11.1. D. D 11, IS. C.-chairman
GERALDINE MILLER
1)SO \. C.-chairman
RENE NI .CFI
11.1.1Al1 I..
C R01.1 N HONE 1 CR
ROBERT II. OM Ti'
FORD
NII)vri.: II 1'l I:
EsH:BAN SOsA
Page ivTexas Education .-gen'
CONTENTS
Mission of Public Education in Texas
1
2
Long-Range Plan for Public Education. 1991-1995
Goal 1: Student Learning
9
Goal 2: Curriculum and Programs
18
Goal 3: Personnel
32
Goal 4: Organization and Management
38
Goal 5: Finance
47
Goal 6: Parent Responsibility
52
Goal 7: Community and Business Partnerships
55
Goal 8: Research. De\ elopment and Evaluation
57
Goal 9: Communications
63
AppendiN. I: Public Education Program Budget
67
Appendix II: Agency Operating Budget
Mona ia I ReportPage v
Mission of
Texas is moving toward the 21st century amid a period of dramatic
change in the economic conditions of both the state and the nation.
Public
The educational system of the state shares responsibility with families
for preparing young Texans to live and work in this changing future.
Education
All students need to be literate. They need to develop essential
In Texas
academic skills and to acquire a knowledge base on which to build
lifelong learning. All students will he taught a core curriculum of
reading. English language arts. mathematics. science. foreign
language. social studies. fine arts, health. physical education. and
technological literacy. All students will acquire a knowledge of
citizenship and economic responsibilities and an appreciation of our
common American heritage including its multicultural richness. To
the full extent of their individual abilities. students yv ill be provided
the opportunity to develop the ability to think logically. independent-
1
and creatively and to communicate effectiyelv. Students will be
.
provided the opportunity to develop vocational skills and to apply
knowledge to life situations.
The chief responsibility of the education system. working in concert
vb it h parents. business. and the public. is to provide instruction and
related support to school-aged children. Schools will also be centers
where learners of all ages can acquire a variety of academic. voca-
tional. and parenting skills so that Texans can better serve their com-
munities. enhance their local and state economies. and prepare their
children for formal education. In cooperation with the pH\ ate sector
and community colleges and other public institutions. services are
encouraged for all learners from infancy to adulthood.
Educating our children and adults to be productive in a changing
future necessitates an excellent educational system. A system ghat
can accomplish this mission must be characterized by quality, equity,
and accountability.
Instruction must be provided at the highest levels of quality.
Educational opportunities and resources must be distributed with
equity for all students.
The educational system must maintain accountability for demon-
strated results and continuous improvement.
Such a system will have the vitality to prepare our children for the
changes and the challenges of the future, a future which will belong
to the educated.
Quality. Equity. .-lecountability:
Long-Range Plan for Public Education
1991-1995
wands will be the first priority.
tv and accountability. the plan
Long-Range
and in which parents will be
saes.
Plan for
welcomed into the public educa-
The goals of the Long-Range
tion system to receive help with
literacy job training and paren-
Plan are:
Public
.
tal skills. It contains actions that
All students will achieve their
the state will take to meet the
Education,
full educational potential.
goals and objectives as well as
A well-balanced and appro-
actions that education service
1991-1995
priate curriculum will be pro-
centers. institutions of higher
vided to all students.
education and other facets of the
public and private sectors are
Qualified and effective per-
encouraged to take.
sonnel will be attracted and
In 1990. the elected 15-member
retained.
State Board of Education
The plan emphasizes that it
is
adopted a long-range plan for
The organization and manage-
responsibility
public
of
the
schools which
public
Texas
ment of all
of the
schools to "take the lead
levels
in
described public education as a
educational system will
ensuring coordination and pro-
be
responsibility
with
shared
of the
efficient.
productive.
and
vision
that
services
families and communities. The
accountable.
children and their families need
document was the result of more
in order for children to succeed
The financing of public edu-
than one year of discussions and
in school...
will
cation adequate.
he
planning by numerous profes-
equitable_ and efficient.
sional and community_ groups
But schools will not he able to
and organizations.
Parents will be full partners
succeed if left to act alone, the
of their
education
the
in
"Attaining
this
plan
states.
The need for community cooper-
children.
vision demands the concerted
ation in preparing children for
and coordinated dedication not
other
Businesses
and
the future is a recurring theme
only of educators but also of all
members of the community
of
titled
Quality.
plan.
the
of those who interact
with
will be partners in the im-
Equity. Accountability: Thxas
children and who share respon-
provement of schools.
State Hoard of Education Long-
for their growth and
sibility
Range Plan for Public Educa-
instruction and administra-
welfare. These include parents.
tion. 1991-1995.
tion N%ill be lin proved through
teachers and other direct care
research that identifies cre-
providers. members of the
The plan was the result of more
ative and effective methods.
healtli care. human services and
than 18 months of development
judicial and legal systems as well
Communications among all
involving a dozen public hear-
as neighbors. employers and
public education interests will
ings and contributions
the
other community and business
I
consistent.
timels-.
and
be
Board's Committee on Long-
members,
effective.
Range Planning. the Commis-
sioner's Ads isor\ Committee on
The mission of public education
In keeping with its goal of imple-
the Long-Range Plan. Texas
is described as educating our
menting timels communications.
Education Agens staff and state
children and adults to be pro-
the Board transmitted the plan
and national experts.
ductis e in a changing future.
to the 72nd Texas Legislature.
To do so requires an excellent
school district,- and other educa-
i,ion of
The plan outlines a
educational sy stem. one that is
tional entities.
Texas public schools in which
characterized bs "quality equi-
children and their diverse de-
o
Page 2Texas Education Agent.
GOAL 1
OBJECTIVES
STUDENT
Set increasingly challenging expectations for academic per-
1-1
LEARNING:
formance by all students in Texas schools.
Strengthen and increase the acquisition of literacy. reading,
All Students will achieve
1 -2
writing. spelling. and other communications skills.
their full educational
potential.
Develop second language skills in all students.
1-3
Close the achievement gap between educationally disadvan-
1-4
taged students and other populations.
Support the development of infants and young children
1-5
through early childhood education and parenting education.
Identify and assist slower learners to achieve their learning
1-6
potential.
Through enhanced dropout prevention efforts. raise the
1-7
graduation rate to 95 percent of students who enter the seventh
grade.
Identify and provide appropriate prevention and intervention
1-8
strategies for students with special needs.
Measure student learning through multiple indicators.
1-9
GOAL 2
OBJECTIVES
CURRICULUM
Strengthen the state core curriculum. especially the areas of
2-1
AND
language arts. mathematics. science. and social studies.
PROGRAMS:
Raise promotion and graduation requirements.
2-2
A well-balanced and
Increase instructional time by a lengthened school day and
2-3
appropriate curriculum
school year.
will be provided to all
Develop students' ci,izenship skills. self-esteem. and respect
2-4
students.
for others.
Incorporate developmentally appropriate higher-order think-
2-5
ing- skills, for example, critical-thinking and problem-solving
skills. throughout the curriculum.
Pro. ide career opportunities through vocational education.
2.0
Biennial ReportPage 3
Provide special education services to meet individual educa-
2-7
tional needs in the least restrictive environment.
Provide appropriate language and content-area instruction to
2-8
limited-English-proficient students.
Provide enriched and advanced curricula for gifted and
2-9
talented students.
2-10 Encourage healthy lifestyles and meet students' health needs
through the curriculum and appropriate programs.
Implement appropriate and challenging programs for students
2-11
with multiple learning needs.
2-12 Provide increased emphasis on the role of homework in the
instructional process.
2-13 Provide new textbooks and electronic materials that are
developmentally appropriate for student learning.
GOAL 3
OBjECTIV ES
PERSONNEL:
Set standards for the profession and ensure that all person-
3-1
nel demonstrate competence in professional skills.
Qualified and effective
personnel will be
h;stablish extended personnel contracts for increased instruc-
3-2
attracted and retained.
tional time and enhanced professional training.
Ensure adequate and competitive compensation commensurate
3-3
with responsibilities.
Pros ide effective, professional working environments.
3-4
Provide training in alternative methods and techniques of in-
3 -3
struction to meet students' varying abilities and learning styles.
Recruit. train. and retain qualified staff in critical shortage
3-6
areas.
Increase the number of qualified minority teachers and
3-7
administrators to reflect the ethnic composition of the state.
Vroyide a variety of management systems to assist personnel
3-8
in teaching and managing instruction.
Review and refine teacher and administrator appraisal policies
3-9
and procedures.
Page 4Texas Education Agency