Board of Education- When Does It Stop?

Donna Howard, Texas House of Representatives, author of, “Howard: We need to put a stop to Board of Education’s shenanigans,” states that “we should depoliticize our state board by taking partisan politics out of the mix. The last resort would be to abolish the board altogether.” I totally agree!

Howard is expressing her opinion to all citizens of Texas regarding the current debate about the State Board of Education (SBOE) deciding whether or not social studies should be taught as a liberal or conservative curriculum.

First of all, the current drop out rate for the stat of Texas is currently 40% according to an article, “Most-ever districts, academically unacceptable attributes to the high dropout rate”. This is due mainly to the state mandated Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests enacted by Texas Education Agency (TEA), that require students to pass examinations in History, Math, Science and English. Needless to say, some students are unable to pass all areas and therefore either, do not graduate or simply drop out. This in itself is clearly evident that there is a MAJOR problem with the public school system as it stands.

Now, to further complicate things, the SBOE is taking away the standard curriculum of exploration of the various countries, understanding longitude and latitude, 50 states and capitals, etc. to……this is what I think you should learn about social studies……….think liberally or think conservatively. A child’s political views are learned from parents, their environment and experiences. As an adult, that child has the freedom to decide which way they want to continue. A governmental system should not be able to influence a young impressionable mind to…..”think a certain way.” I would say that is unconstitutional!! I’m sure if I took the time, I’d be able to find a constitution that supports this statement and argue my point just as politicians do!!!! 

Howard shared how the SBOE was constructed. It was first created in the 1866 Constitution, which included the governor, comptroller and elected superintendent of public education. During the course of years, the members have changed but the purpose has remained the same. The purpose was to oversee the school fund and general management. I see no where in that statement that they can input politics into that responsibility.

Howard goes on to support her opinion with expressing the fact that, “Our current SBOE has no requirements for fiscal or investment expertise, and yet it manages a multibillion-dollar fund that helps finance our public schools.” I found this to be very interesting with the current cut-backs on funding for public schools including lay offs, oversized classrooms, understaffing due to low pay, and removing vocational and extra-curricula activities. Aha!!! That may be the one of the many reasons the system is broken. Yet, they want to “flex their muscles to say what should be contained in the curriculum. My question, “Who is manning the fence?

In my opinion, I feel that Howard is credible in her views due to the inside information she is able to receive from her current position as House of Representative. Being from a family of educators where I am able to hear first hand the “issues” on how the “big wigs” are making decisions for the public school system(the little people), Essentially, they have no idea the negative impact many of the decisions they have on many citizens; or, they may, and just don’t care. “It’s as though they say, my children get ours, so you must get yours. “ It was refreshing to read my sentiments from someone who just may be able to do something about this turmoil!