Texas is on the verge of enacting significant educational reforms that could mark a turning point in the state’s history of education.
In the previous legislative session, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1605, which mandates the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to create high-quality instructional materials and distribute them at no cost to all school districts in Texas. As a member of the TEA Advisory Board responsible for developing this new curriculum—known as Open Educational Resources (OER)— OER has the potential to greatly enhance the quality of education our students receive.
Take, for instance, an elementary-level unit on the American Revolution. Students learn not only about Paul Revere’s famous ride and his warning that the British were coming but also explore the science, art, and culture of the period. This approach provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the era, helping them grasp the broader significance of this pivotal moment in American history.
This cross-curricular strategy enhances learning by integrating multiple disciplines into a single course. It helps students establish a solid and interconnected foundation of knowledge from an early age, which they can build upon as they progress through their education.
However, the benefits of OER extend beyond students. Teachers will have free access to these high-quality instructional materials, including lesson plans, guides, and quizzes. This will allow them to concentrate on what matters most: teaching and assessing students.
One Amarillo principal, whose school piloted an early version of OER, shared with the Texas Scorecard , “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 TEA-conducted study revealed that only 19% of elementary-level reading materials were at grade level, a consequence of teachers being left to develop their own lessons. OER, on the other hand, is designed to be grade-appropriate, rigorous, and challenging, ensuring that teachers and parents can trust the materials meet the legal standards.
Parents, too, will benefit from OER. The materials will be available online, giving parents clear insight into what their children are learning. Additionally, teachers will have access to pre-written letters that can be sent home to keep parents informed about the course’s progress.
Some critics argue that providing these materials to teachers limits their flexibility. However, the use of OER materials is entirely optional. Texas is home to thousands of exceptional teachers who have developed effective lessons that satisfy both students and parents. HB 1605 and OER do not take away from these educators; rather, they offer an additional resource.
Ultimately, this initiative is a win-win for everyone. At worst, it ensures that teachers have easy access to high-quality materials, enabling them to focus more on teaching. At best, it could revolutionize educational outcomes, enhance teacher capabilities, and increase parent satisfaction.
Later this fall, the State Board of Education will vote on whether to approve the new materials for Texas schools. They have a unique opportunity to transform the quality of education in Texas, and they shouldn’t let it pass by.
