A Study of Driver Education in Texas as Reported by the State Board of Education. Submitted to the Governor, Lt. Governor and the Sixty-Ninth Legislature. House Concurrent Resolution 127.

Overview & Synopsis

A study was undertaken to determine how driver education courses in Texas schools can be designed to reach maximum effectiveness for a maximum number of eligible new drivers. The two-phased, classroom instruction plus an "in-car" practicum were found to be the type of driver education commonly offered. A consensus description of a quality driver education program was developed that outlined the curriculum (topics and suggested number of class and laboratory hours), graduation credit, teacher certification, supervision, and evaluation. Three alternatives for providing state-level funding to school districts for driver education were suggested: semester program (classroom only), comprehensive semester program (classroom and in-car instruction), and minimum program. Pre- and post-driver education experiences and controls were recommended. The requirement of maintaining a minimum grade-point average as a prerequisite to receiving driver education was considered and rejected. Recommendations made for a comprehensive driver education program covered curriculum teacher training, classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, credit for graduation, grade-point average prerequisites, state-level funding, post-driver training experiences and controls, supervision of local driver education programs, and evaluation. (Appendixes provide a description of the current driver education program, an outline of a comprehensive driver education curriculum, and driver education instructor training recommended course content.) (YLB)