History of Public Education in Texas

History of Public Education in TexasTexas Declaration of Independence in 1836 lists failure of Mexican government to establish system of public schools, despite nearly limitless resources.


• Lack of school system listed as one reason Texas decides to break ties with Mexico.

History of Public Education in Texas• First public school law in Texas enacted in 1840.

• Provided for surveying and setting aside four leagues (17,712 acres) of land in each county to support public schools.


• 1845 – Texas Constitution of 1845 provided that one‐tenth of the annual state tax revenue be set aside as a perpetual fund to support free public schools.


• 1854 – New law creates Texas Permanent School Fund with $2 million appropriation.

History of Public Education in Texas• State constitution of 1876 sets aside 45 million acres of public domain for school support and directs that income from the Permanent School Fund be invested in bonds.


• 1884 – School law rewritten again to re‐create office of state superintendent, affirm the state ad valorem tax, and mandate that the Permanent School Fund invest in county and other bonds to increase income.


• Additional laws gradually granted cities and towns more freedom in the development and administration of their schools, resulting in the formation of independent school districts.


• System of accreditation was created in 1885 when high schools sent selected test papers for examination by the faculty of the University of Texas.


• If found satisfactory, the high school was considered to be affiliated with UT, and the school’s graduates were admitted without examination.


• 1911 – A rural high school law established county boards of education. Also permitted was creation of rural high schools and the consolidation of common school districts.


• 1917 – New law authorizes state purchase of textbooks. Expansion of rural aid to schools helps improve the education provided to children on the state's farms and ranches.


• 1949 – Gilmer‐Aikin laws establish present‐day structure of Texas’ public education system.


• Also created an elected State Board of Education that appointed a commissioner of education, and reorganized the administration of state public school policy through the Texas Education Agency.


• Foundation School Program created to apportion state funds to local school districts.


• Want more information?• www.tea.state.tx.us

History of Public Education in Texas

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