Texas Education and Culture

1. Education in Texas
2. Texas Popular Culture
3. Texas Arts & Literature
4. Global Consciousness

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Education in Texas

1. What guidelines for public schools did the Gilmer-Aiken laws establish?(7.15:C)
       The laws established boards of education, a nine-month school term, teacher training, minimum teacher�s salaries and better facilities. The bills also established the foundation school program and the  Texas Education Agency.
2. What important social issues did public schools have to deal with in the 1950s, 60s and 70s?(7.15:C)
       The public schools had to deal with the issues of desegregation and bilingual education.
3. Why was it felt that educational reform was needed in the 1980s?(7.15:C)
       The state did not fare well nationally in terms of teachers� salaries, money allotted per student and student aptitude tests
4. What was the purpose of Texas House Bill 72? Why was House Bill 72 controversial?(7.15:C)
       House Bill 72 allotted $2.8 billion for school reforms. The bill raised teachers� salaries, but it also increased professional expectations of teachers with certification guidelines and competency testing. The most controversial element of the bill was the "no pass, no play" provision. It forbade a student from participating in extra-curricular activities if he or she did not maintain a 70 average.

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Popular Culture

1. Name four Texas football players who won the Heisman Trophy.
     Heisman Trophy winners from Texas include Davey O�Brien of TCU, Doak Walker of SMU, John David Crow of Texas A&M, Earl Campbell of the University of Texas, Andre Ware of Houston and Ricky Williams of the University of Texas
2. Who was Tom Landry?
       Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys football team
3. Name four famous golfers from Texas.
       Golfers Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Lee Trevino were Texans, as was woman golfer Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias.
4. Name three "Rock �n Roll" stars from Texas.
       Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and Janis Joplin
5. What is the "One O�Clock Lab Band?
       The One O�Clock Lab Band is a Jazz ensemble from the University of North Texas.
6. Name at least four famous Country and Western singers from Texas.
       Country and Western singers from Texas include Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Bob Wills, Ernest Tubb and George Jones.

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Texas Arts & Literature

1. Identify at least four well-known writers from Texas.
       J. Frank Dobie, Katherine Anne Porter, George Sessions Perry, William A. Owens, Terry Southern, Larry L. King and Fred Gipson.
2. Who is Larry McMurtry?
       Larry McMurtry is an author of The Last Picture Show, Terms of Endearment and Lonesome Dove. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Lonesome Dove.
3. Name two recent Hispanic poets and authors who are from Texas.
       Two recent Hispanic authors and poets from Texas are Tomas Rivera and Pat Mora.
4. Who is Alvin Ailey?
       Alvin Ailey was a dancer and choreographer who formed a world famous dance company.
5. Name four 20th Century artists who came from Texas?
       Robert Rauschenberg, Jose Cisneros, Allie Z. Tennant and James Brooks. 

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1. How have recent advances in transportation and communication changed our lives?(7.20:E)
       Recent advances in technology and communication have created a "global consciousness," or a more connected world.
2. Why are some people opposed to globalization?(7.20:E)
       Some believe globalization will exploit people while creating financial, environmental and cultural crises in third world countries.
3. Why is it important that we study local and state history?
       By studying the past, we can better understand the developments of the present and plan for the future.
4. What ethnic or cultural events are held in your area that can help you understand the heritage of your community?(7.19:A,B)
       Answers will vary.