Texas educators are now in the midst of conflict over the best way to teach English. The conflict arises over whether educators need to return to the basics and drill students in basic grammar or use “modern” approaches based on research of the past 20 years. Within the modern research, some educators want to include Spanish language experts in constructing an English program.

This whole conflict in some ways is comical along with being a sad statement on the state of English education in Texas.  To do away with teaching methods that have worked for hundreds of years in favor of “new”, “modern” approaches of the past 20 years raises concerns. I have always thought, “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”, but I am not a modern educator.

The inclusion of Spanish experts in developing the English curriculum is not surprising, since many districts use textbooks provided by Mexico. Mexico has been striving to influence education policies for some time. This is a logical extension of such policies. The Mexican government has succeeded in changing the education policies of Texas. Although this outcome is logical, it is also a tell-tale sign that schools are focused more on accommodation than education regarding today’s youth.

The fact that children of today have trouble reading the books written 100 years ago due to their reading level tells me that they are not receiving the quality of education their fore fathers did. They may each speak English, but the level of comprehension and mastery of grammar leaves much to be desired.

Free Texas!

J Murrah

best approach to English education, Books, conflicts over the teaching of english, Current Affairs, mexican influence in Texas schools, Mexican textbooks

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