Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.
Impact
The proposed changes are expected to significantly alter the funding landscape for community colleges in Texas. By implementing a performance-based system, the bill aims to reward institutions that successfully guide students through their educational journeys, particularly in achieving credentials that lead to employment. Additionally, this approach addresses the unique challenges faced by rural colleges and strives to increase resources for those institutions, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes and economic opportunities for students.
Summary
House Bill 8 aims to transform public higher education financing in Texas, particularly focusing on community colleges. This legislation introduces an outcomes-based funding model, designed to allocate financial resources based on student performance metrics and graduation rates, in contrast to the previous input-focused funding system. The bill seeks to enhance funding for junior colleges and improve access to education for all Texan students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 8 has been largely positive, with strong support from educational institutions and advocacy groups. Testimonies from community college leaders emphasize the transformative potential of the bill, viewing it as a significant investment in Texas's educational future. There is recognition, however, of concerns regarding the effectiveness of funding allocations and whether the new model will adequately support diverse student needs across varying college environments.
Contention
Despite the general support for HB 8, there are points of contention related to how effectively the new funding model will meet the specific needs of all community colleges, particularly those in economically disadvantaged areas. Some legislators have expressed the need for further guarantees that funding will not solely prioritize larger institutions but will also recognize the importance of smaller, rural colleges that play a critical role in their communities. Balancing these interests while ensuring equitable access to education remains a pivotal point of discussion.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 7. State Organization
Section: 040
Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
Section: 0095
Section: New Section
Section: 0095
Section: New Section
Section: New Section
Section: 0095
Section: New Section
Section: 0095
Section: New Section
Section: 0095
Chapter 29. Educational Programs
Section: 908
Section: 908
Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
Identical
Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.
Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.
Relating to college, career, and military readiness in public schools, including career and technology education programs, the Financial Aid for Swift Transfer (FAST) program, and the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) program, funding for those programs under the Foundation School Program, and workforce reporting to support those programs, to the public school accountability system, and to the new instructional facility allotment and the permissible uses of funding under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to measures to support the enrollment of students with a nontraditional secondary education at public institutions of higher education, including eligibility for certain student financial assistance programs.
Relating to engineering recruitment programs at public or private institutions of higher education and to certain degree programs at public junior colleges.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Relating to measures to support the enrollment of students with a nontraditional secondary education at public institutions of higher education, including eligibility for certain student financial assistance programs.
Relating to the administration, coordination, and support of public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program and an Advanced Career and Education (ACE) scholarship program for students enrolled in dual credit courses.
Relating to abolishing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and transferring the coordinating board's functions and activities and the State Board of Education's statutorily assigned functions and activities to the Texas Education Agency.
Relating to the administration of assessment instruments in public schools and eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation or to make certain accountability determinations.
Relating to the operation by a school district of a foundation and trade diploma program to provide eligible high school students with educational training under a plan for the issuance of a high school diploma and the application of certain student-based allotments under the public school finance system.