Texas Senate Bill SB1162

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to student success-based funding for certain public institutions of higher education.

Impact

The expected impact of SB1162 is significant as it aims to reshape how public universities in Texas receive funding. By tying financial support to student outcomes, the bill encourages institutions to focus on improving graduation rates and the overall success of their students. This could lead to enhanced support programs, academic resources, and initiatives designed for student retention and success, thereby fostering educational attainment and workforce readiness.

Summary

SB1162 is a legislative bill aimed at amending the Texas Education Code to establish student success-based funding for certain public institutions of higher education. The bill outlines that funding will be allocated based on various performance metrics, such as graduation rates and retention rates of students. Specifically, it proposes a formula to distribute funds proportionally to the number of 'scaled points' an institution earns, reflecting its performance in these areas over a specified time frame. The intent is to incentivize institutions to improve student outcomes and institutional effectiveness by aligning funding with performance measures.

Contention

However, the bill is not without contention. Critics may raise concerns regarding the implications of performance-based funding, questioning whether it will adequately account for the diverse challenges faced by different institutions, particularly those serving at-risk or under-resourced student populations. The emphasis on metrics may inadvertently lead to a narrowing of educational objectives as institutions might prioritize funding-driven outcomes over broader educational goals, such as equitable access to education and holistic student development.