The state of Texas may stop paying for the required learning materials for schools because of the budget gap. This is forcing districts like Frenship ISD to scramble for new options to keep course content relevant and updated.
The district updates textbooks every year by alternating sever core classes. If the state cuts textbook funds for two year this will affect two core classes. Teachers will be hard-pressed to find other ways to provide new material for students.
The new Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness Test is designed to help students focus on college. FISD administrators say it's critical that students have access to relevant material to prepare for a tougher exam.
Without new textbooks teachers will have to depend on technology and other resources to keep students on track with current events and trends. This is why Frenship's assistant superintendent, Darryl Flusche, says the state should avoid cuts that impact student learning in a negative way.
"It puts a burden on local districts to pay for those other resources or find other resources that we might be able to use some through textbooks," says Flusche.
Frenship administrators say they will ensure student learning doesn't suffer regardless of what the state decides.
In the meantime, education commissioner Robert Scott is seeking $520 million in updated instructional materials for this fall.
