Texas House Bill HB771

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 11/12/24

Caption

Relating to a single common course numbering system for and the transfer of course credit among public institutions of higher education in this state.

Impact

The bill seeks to amend the Texas Education Code to mandate that each higher education institution in Texas adopt a core curriculum that aligns with the common course numbering system. This move could significantly streamline the credit transfer process, leveraging a consistent course designation that is recognized across all participating institutions. Moreover, it is expected to encourage institutions to adopt standardized guidelines regarding the transfer of course credits, which would further enhance transparency and ease of access for students navigating their educational paths.

Summary

House Bill 771 is a legislative proposal aimed at establishing a single common course numbering system for public institutions of higher education in Texas. The primary objective of this bill is to facilitate the transfer of course credits among institutions, thereby improving student mobility and assisting students in their pursuit of higher education. By implementing a standardized numbering system, students who complete courses across different institutions will be better able to transfer their credits without losing academic progress, making the educational journey more efficient and less frustrating.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HB 771 may face various points of contention. One area of concern could be the implementation timeline, which requires institutions to phase in the common numbering system by the 2030-2031 academic year. Institutions with established and differing internal systems may resist such changes, leading to discussions about the feasibility, costs, and resources involved in transitioning to a common system. Furthermore, there may be debates around the types of courses exempted from this common system, particularly those in specialized disciplines like graduate courses, clinical coursework, or career and technical education, which could create disparities in how different types of courses are treated.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 61. Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
  • Section: 822
  • Section: 826
  • Section: 830
  • Section: 832