Introduction
Texas is one of the fascinating yet dynamic States of America. In 1980, the total population of Texas was around 11 million which got double in the 2000s. Today, this developing state population is around 23 million. Every developing state or country faces few public issues which need to be overcome to augment the welfare of human beings. Texas ranks considerably lower than the other states in many service provision areas. The emerging economy still faces numerous challenges but unable to deal proactively. There are different public issues that are faced by Texas people. Among all, the selected public issue for this study is “Higher Education Attainment Issues in Texas.” United States government’s agenda is to eradicate the prevailing public issues in all the developing states. The policy makers have formulated different policies to minimize the higher education issue in Texas (Kraemer Newell Pp. 267-284). This study analyzes whether policy makers have ease the sufferings of Texans on the most serious issue of higher education attainment or not.
Discussion
In 2007, Texas included 35 general academic teaching institutions, 50 community colleges, three lower-division institutions, nine health pertinent institutions and one technical college system. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is the governing authority that is responsible for state’s higher education planning, data collection, policy making and analyzing. The board is also responsible to perform the funding advisory role. Texas has witnessed a growing trend of the population which augments the demand for higher education attainment among citizens. It is expected that the rate of educational attainment would increase by 1.5% on an annual basis. Most of the citizen due to other pubic issues, like poverty and employment, prefer to enroll in the community colleges or technical institutions. In the 1970s and 80s, higher education sector was one of the areas that faced adverse negligence. Texas faced a shortfall of favorable legislations and policies regarding higher education welfare. However, some sign of budgetary relief had been observed in the late 90s and early 20s. In 1997, by the joint efforts of the state legislature and coordinating board, formulated a statewide core curriculum. That legislation was amended by providing flexibility to the individual institutions in designing their core courses. After every five years, the coordinating board reviews and amends core curriculum of educational institutions. Constant reviews have improved the educational attainment level for the Texans (Finney Perna Callan Pp.1-5).
Performance Below Other States
Although policies and legislations have been made and implemented but Texas higher education performance still exists below the national level. Texas is performing less than the other States of U.S. It is considered as the 39th States where adults educational attainment is restricted to associate degree. It is predicted that by 2018 that Texas businesses would compel to hire workers outside the state. The ratio of educational attainment is still very low in Texas, despite the policies, Texans are more attaining certificates than enrolling in proper degree programs. There is a need to formulate a policy that actuates students to get enrolled themselves in postgraduate degrees.
Unrealistic Goals
The set unrealistic goals are not compatible with the fiscal situation of the state. The state's goal is to expand the research universities to at least seven. For that purpose, the aim is to utilize public funds. There is a need to understand the tradeoff policy seriously because that would enable the state towards higher educational attainment. To incept new research institutions at the cost of colleges and graduate institutions is not a sensible decision. Without augmenting the number of colleges and universities, no benefit would be attained at the state level. Texas government needs to look over this matter; they need to prioritize their efforts as per the needs of students. Governor’s Business Council also warned state leaders on commencing too many research initiatives. Till now, no realization has been taken on this issue. However, there is a need to set the realistic initiatives in the state (Governor’s Business Council P.5).
Lessen Affordability
In the past, the state was known for providing financial aid along with low tuition fee structure. This trend has been minimizing with every passing year. Now, institutions are providing financial aids but with high tuition fees. In 2009, 72% students at the public universities were paying the constant dollars which they were paying six years back. From 1999 to 2009, Texas median income of the family has been declined by 1.5%.
Racial Discrimination
The half of Texas population is comprised of Hispanic and the Black Americans. However, they have low rate when it comes to higher educational attainment than white Texans. It is observed that white students are more enrolled in advanced courses, and they are proficient in English language than the Hispanics and Black Texans. The set college enrollment criteria seem unfavorable for Hispanic or Black Texans students. Those students who have a certain proficiency in Maths, English and other similar courses can avail federal free and reduced-price lunch program. That is the reason; white students are more in numbers towards higher education attainment.
Community Colleges lack coherent policies
Texas institutions do not have coherent policies which best meet the needs of technical and community colleges. Due to lower fee structure of community colleges, an increasing trend of enrollment has been observed. State contribution towards community colleges dropped in 2007 from 61% to 28%. Community colleges are funded by the joint efforts of state, local taxes and tuition fees. There is a need to formulate coherent policies and communities must vote to join the taxing district. The affluent communities should contribute towards the betterment of the less affluent communities (Texas Association of Community Colleges Pp.1-4).
Conclusion
Texas growing population underscores the need to ameliorate educational attainment of the citizen. As per 2010 consensus, Texas is the second populous state of the nation. As the population grows, the needs of people also augments. Education is eminent for any state or country to flourish in the long-term. Unfortunately, in Texas, the higher educational policies are not well designed. The enrollments augment in community colleges but lack in providing quality teaching standards to the students due to lack of funds. The financial resources are spent unnecessarily in the research initiatives instead of forming affordable higher educational institutions. It is highly recommended to form a balance between statewide priorities and regional needs. Texas government needs to formulate policies for reducing persistent racial and economic disparities from the institution. The more favorable legislations and policies higher educational institutions have, the more academic performance and educational attainment among Hispanic and Black Texans improves.
Thus, the above findings depict that Texas economic growth is on the verge of the stake. In comparison to other states of U.S., Texas is far behind in higher educational attainment rate. The developed policies and legislations have somehow improved the educational performance, but there is a need to take a serious action by the state leaders to improve higher educational attainment rate and develop a feasible plan for it. Until now, unimpressive efforts have been observed by the state leaders towards higher education. It would become more challenging for the leaders in future if proper measures and steps are not taken on this public issue because the situation would get worsen with a constant growing population in Texas.
Works Cited
Finney Joni and Perna Laura, Callan Patrick., “Hard Choices Ahead: Performance and Policy in Texas Higher Education.” Institute For Research On Higher Education. (2012). Pp.1-5
Governor’s Business Council. Leading The Way: An Action Plan For Making Texas Higher Education Globally Competitive. Austin, TX: Author. (2007). P.5
Kraemer H. Richard, Newell Charldean, Prindle F. David. Essentials of Texas Politics. Cengage Learning. 2007. Pp. 267-284
Texas Association of Community Colleges. Spring 2011 Tuition And Fees: Texas Public Community Colleges. Austin, TX: Author. (2011). Pp.1-4
