Trinity Oral History Research Documents San Antonio’s Evolving Education Landscape

Trinity University students Kaleigh Cansino '26 and Kai Velasquez '25 presented their research on the evolving educational landscape of San Antonio at the Texas Oral History Association’s annual conference, held from September 6-7 at Texas Prairie View A&M University. Guided by education lecturer Habiba Noor, Ph.D., the students' presentation "Schooling in San Antonio" focused on the intersections of urban change and education. This conference brought together scholars and students from across Texas to discuss the importance of oral history in understanding community transformations.

Alongside these Trinity students, high schoolers from the International School of the Americas (ISA) joined them at the conference, having worked over the summer with Noor on this project. At the conference, ISA students shared their personal transformations, reflecting on their own experiences learning about San Antonio’s schooling and transcribing oral history interviews. 

The students' research explored the complex history of San Antonio’s education system, examining how urban changes such as population growth and gentrification have influenced local schools. This work, part of Noor’s “Oral History of San Antonio Schooling” class at Trinity, not only documents the past but also contributes to ongoing discussions about the future of education in one of Texas’s most historically significant cities. 

In their presentations, the students shared insights from interviews they conducted with community members, educators, and policy experts who have witnessed shifts in San Antonio’s educational infrastructure. 

Under Noor’s mentorship, Cansino and her fellow researchers developed their skills in oral history methodology, learning to gather, interpret, and present the stories of individuals often overlooked in traditional historical narratives. “There's power in storytelling, and there's power in listening to others and listening to their points of view,” says Cansino, a sociology major and San Antonio native.

Throughout the project, students gained valuable insights into the ethical considerations involved in oral history research, including the importance of building trust with interviewees and ensuring their stories are accurately and respectfully represented. Their research demonstrates how oral history can serve as a powerful tool for capturing community experiences and understanding how historical events shape present realities.

Noor's guidance was key in helping the group frame their research within the larger context of San Antonio’s urban history. The students’ research highlighted several critical aspects of the evolution of San Antonio’s education system. One of their key findings was the effect of urban growth and gentrification on historically underserved communities. As the city is expanding, certain neighborhoods have experienced significant demographic changes, often leading to the displacement of long-time residents. These developments create challenges for local schools, which must adapt to changing student populations while maintaining ties to their communities' historical identities.

Schools also serve as educational institutions and community centers, playing a vital role in preserving cultural heritage, especially within predominantly Latino neighborhoods. Cansino’s interviewees discussed how schools are not just places of learning; they are also spaces where cultural traditions are upheld and families come together for support.

“Documenting these stories is so important; they show the connections between a city’s urban development and its schools,” Cansino says. 

Additionally, Noor’s students’ research has provided a nuanced perspective on how policies surrounding education impact teachers, administrators, and students. Over the past several decades, policy changes—including the implementation of standardized testing and school accountability measures—have significantly influenced school operations and student assessments. Cansino noted that these reforms, while driven by state and national education agendas, often conflict with the local needs and priorities of San Antonio’s diverse communities. 

The findings presented by Cansino and her fellow researchers at the Texas Oral History Association emphasized several calls to action. By documenting the experiences of San Antonio’s educators, students, and families, their research highlights the need for policies that prioritize community well-being amid urban growth. By advocating for the preservation of neighborhood history and culture, their research underscores the importance of an education system that is responsive to the diverse needs of all students.

Their project also serves as a reminder that the voices of those most impacted by educational reforms and urban planning are often underrepresented in public discourse. Through their research, they sought to amplify these voices, ensuring the history of San Antonio’s schools is told from those who experienced it firsthand. As the students presented their findings at the conference, they contributed to a growing body of research utilizing oral history to understand the social and cultural impacts of urbanization. The conference at Texas Prairie View A&M showcased the critical role oral history plays in preserving community narratives during times of change, particularly in education.

As cities across the United States grapple with the challenges of urbanization and demographic changes, the need for community-centered education becomes increasingly urgent. By sparking conversations about the future of education, their project invited educators and policymakers to consider the long-term effects of urban change on schools. Their work calls for collaborative efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education for all. As they look toward the future, Cansino and her peers remain committed to advocating for policies supporting inclusive schools. Their experience at the Texas Oral History Association conference marked a significant milestone in their academic journey, highlighting the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of history, education, and community.