Texas House Bill HB3790

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/29/09
• Voted on by House: 5/14/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/25/09

Caption

Relating to performance incentive funding for public institutions of higher education and to recognition of certain student achievement on degree completion.

Impact

The inclusion of metrics related to degree completion, especially for at-risk populations, positions this legislation to potentially transform how public institutions approach student success. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is tasked with administering the performance incentive funding, using a points-based system to assess institutions' progresses. This could foster a competitive environment among these institutions, leading to improved academic performance and higher graduation rates.

Summary

House Bill 3790 focuses on establishing performance incentive funding for public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill seeks to provide financial rewards to these institutions based on their success in increasing the number of degrees and certificates awarded, specifically targeting institutions that serve at-risk students. The goal is to enhance educational outcomes, drive up enrollment, and encourage timely degree completion, ultimately benefiting both students and the state's labor market.

Contention

While the motive behind HB 3790 is largely seen as beneficial, there may be contention regarding the fairness of performance metrics. Critics might argue that institutions serving a higher number of at-risk students may encounter challenges that skew performance measures, making it difficult to compete solely based on degree completion metrics. The potential for funding disparities could provoke discussions on whether this system effectively addresses the unique challenges faced by different institutions, particularly those located in underserved areas.