texas government chapter 13

Stages in the policy making process

Problem identification, policy formation, implementation, and evaluation

Problem identification

The first stage of policy making, societies and policy makers develop an understanding of how we must think about and address a particular problem

Policy formation

The second stage of policy making, the general ideas about the problem are clarified and strategies to address the problem are developed

Implementation

The third stage of the policy making process, the goals of the policy are put into place, along with incentives or sanctions to support them

Evaluation

The fourth stage of the policy making process, the policy must be evaluated for effectiveness

Rationality in policy making

The idea that in policy making we have clearly identified goals and that we seek to achieve these goals in an optimal or efficient manner

Education policy

Involved overlapping problems that are addressed by local, state, and federal policies

What are the 3 problems that played a role in education policy in Texas over the last 50 years

The low level of public spending per pupil, shifting demographics, and high dropout rates

Gilmer Aiken laws

Address shortages of funds and supplies, poorly trained teachers, and inadequate facilities. Supplemented the local funding of education with public monies, raised teachers salaries, mandated a minimum length for the school year, and provided for more state supervision of public education

San Antonio vs Rodriquez

The constitutionality of funding public schools with property taxes was challenged

Edgewood isd vs Kirby

Challenged school funding with respect to the Texas constitutions provision of an efficient system of free public schools

Vouchers

Increase competition by allowing the money to follow the students

Charter schools

Make more options available in areas where schools are underperforming

Education savings accounts

The state legislature passed a form of voucher program during the 2025 legislative session that allowed for $10 billion in state funding to be used for parents to be allowed to send students to their choice of private schools

Medicaid

A joint state federal program that provides health care for those in poverty

Who qualifies for Medicaid

People who receive temporary assistance for needy families and social security income