Texas public school system has been facing many challenges in recent years, including low college readiness levels. Only 50% of graduates meet the university admission criteria, “with larger shares of Asian and white students college-ready, while black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students remain behind their peers” (Greater Houston Community Foundation, 2019, p. 1). This essay addresses this issue and suggests several possible solutions to the problem.
College readiness is an essential factor determining education and career trajectories for young people, especially from underprivileged groups. The root of the problem lies in the economic and social disparities based on income or race. They lead to developing different attitudes towards job choices and general educational attainment, with students graduating from schools lacking the necessary skills and knowledge to continue their training.
Among the solutions to the problem, there is one long-awaited measure to improve the educational funding system that would result in achieving better education results. However, apart from this political measure, some community-based initiatives could be helpful. Among them are volunteering programs aimed at coaching students, business-funded teacher development programs, college orientations, and community work among students in risk groups and their parents.
For the community-based solutions, it is essential to motivate people from risk groups of the necessity to excel in learning and find the motivation to develop their skills and knowledge. They should involve members of the community who managed to earn university degrees coming from the same background. Establishing this dialogue might help in building an additional incentive for students and their families.
The responsibility of changing school-funding policies lies in the hands of the state legislature. With Texas House Bill-3 passed in 2019, the situation has changed somehow. However, it is vital for authorities, like specific school districts, to ensure that sufficient finances are allocated at supporting education on all levels, including high school. If refused, the issue should be put into the spotlight by media exposure, petitioning, and, if necessary, legal actions.
Reference
Greater Houston Community Foundation. (2019). How shifting demographics, evolving needs and disparate academic outcomes affect Houston-area public schools. Web.