Texas is on the cusp of implementing historic reforms that could prove to be the most significant improvements in education in the state’s history.
Last year, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1605, which, in part, required the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to develop high quality instructional materials and provide them at no cost to every Texas school district. I served on the TEA Advisory Board that built the new curriculum, known as Open Educational Resources (OER). I believe OER has the potential to dramatically improve the quality of the education our students receive.
For example, in an elementary-level unit on the American Revolution students learn about the ride of Paul Revere. They, of course, learn the facts about his famous warning that the British were coming. But they also learn about the science, art, and culture of the period. Students are given the full picture and context of the time to truly understand the significance of that important moment in America’s founding.
This cross-curricular approach improves learning by funneling multiple disciplines into a single course.
Further, it means students will start with an early foundation of knowledge that is connected and meaningful, and then build upon that foundation each year as they progress through school.
But the OER doesn’t just benefit students. Teachers will have free access to these new high quality instructional materials that include lesson plans, guides, and quizzes. This allows teachers to focus on the most important part of their job, teaching and evaluating students.
As one Amarillo principle whose school has piloted an early version of the OER said, “We used to have teachers staying late, bringing in dinner, working on lesson plans…They have a work/life balance again, and they love that. They know they’re ready for class. That’s what the high-quality instructional materials have done for my school.”
A small-scale study conducted by TEA showed that as little as 19% of elementary-level reading materials were on grade level, a biproduct of forcing teachers to develop their own lessons. But the OER is required to be on grade level, rigorous, and challenging to students, so teachers and parents know they are using materials that meet the standards required by law.
Speaking of parents, the OER will be online and accessible so parents will know exactly what kids are learning in school. And it provides pre-written letters teachers can send home to keep parents up to date on the progress of the course.
Some critics suggest that providing these materials to teachers is heavy handed and takes away the flexibility teachers want and need. The good news is that using the materials is optional. Texas has thousands of excellent teachers who have developed their own lessons that benefit students and satisfy parents. Nothing in the OER or HB 1605 takes that away.
It’s a win-win for everyone. At worst, it’s a fail-safe that ensures teachers have easy access to high quality materials that allow them to better focus on their job. At best, it is a groundbreaking approach that will dramatically improve educational outcomes, teacher capabilities, and parent satisfaction.
Later this fall, the State Board of Education will vote on approving the new materials for Texas schools. They shouldn’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize the quality of education in Texas.