The Johnson Home and Texas Education Standards

Kathryn Deadrich Loney, President Johnson's first teacher, joins him for the signing of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act on April 11. 1965. Lyndon Johnson started school in 1912 at the age of four.

LBJ Library / Yoichi Okamoto

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park welcomes students of all ages to explore connections to Texas geography, history, government, and economics at the LBJ Ranch. President Johnson, a champion for education, would be proud to know that a visit to his home aligns with today’s state curriculum standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). TEKS specify what K–12 students in Texas should know and be able to do in each grade and subject. This standardized approach ensures that all students have equal access to high-quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background or race. On a national level, President Johnson’s education legislation in the 1960s embodied the same fundamental ideas.

Lyndon Johnson speaks to students at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, 1970. Today called Texas State University, Johnson earned his teaching degree there in 1930.

LBJ Library / Frank Wolfe

This summer, volunteer and educator Jennifer Chase completed a crosswalk of the park's interpretive programming and the TEKS social studies standards. Across all grade levels, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park addresses geography, government, economic, and historical content. From standard geography in elementary school, to Texas history in middle school, and United States government in high school, students have opportunities to meet TEKS readiness standards while learning about this legendary presidential complex and working ranch.

From 2008 to 2018, thousands of students enjoyed programs at the Texas White House which introduced them to President Johnson’s personal and professional life, from relaxing with family to barbecues with foreign leaders on the riverbank. When the rehabilitated ranch house reopens, students will get close-up looks at the Johnsons’ offices, bedrooms, and other living spaces on the first floor. By focusing on interpretive themes for TEKS, our staff will better help students to understand the relationship of place, heritage, and values to President Johnson’s role in history as a pivotal American leader during the mid-20th century.

President Lyndon Johnson’s Accomplishments for Education

• 1965: Head Start — provided a range of educational, social, and health services for preschool-age children of disadvantaged families to prepare them for success in school
• 1965: Elementary and Secondary Education Act — provided federal funding to states and school districts to support children from low-income families and improve school resources
• 1965: Higher Education Act — provided financial aid to college students and assistance to institutions of higher education
• 1968: Bilingual Education Act — provided federal grants to school districts to create educational programs for students with limited English proficiency

President's Ranch Trail