Relating to outcomes-based funding for general academic teaching institutions.
Impact
The bill has the potential to reshape funding mechanisms for higher education in Texas, encouraging institutions to enroll and retain at-risk students who may need additional support. By tying financial rewards to the performance metrics of educational outcomes, SB34 emphasizes the importance of student success, particularly for those from challenging backgrounds. This outcomes-based approach may foster an environment that promotes innovative support services aimed at increasing graduation rates among at-risk students.
Summary
SB34 proposes a framework for outcomes-based funding for general academic teaching institutions in Texas. The bill seeks to allocate state funds based on the number of baccalaureate degrees awarded, creating a financial incentive for institutions to support students from differing backgrounds, particularly those considered at-risk. For each degree awarded to an at-risk student, the institutions would receive $1,000, while they would receive $500 for degrees awarded to students not classified as at-risk. This funding structure aims to increase educational equity and prioritize the success of underrepresented student populations in higher education.
Contention
While the intent behind SB34 is to enhance funding equity for institutions serving underrepresented populations, there are notable points of contention. Critics may argue that focusing on outcomes-based funding can inadvertently pressure institutions to prioritize degree attainment over comprehensive educational quality. There may also be concerns about how the definitions of at-risk students and critical fields could lead to a tiered system of educational priority, disadvantaging students in non-critical areas or those who may need alternative forms of support beyond financial incentives.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to creating a framework for including certain credentials of value offered by general academic teaching institutions as part of a baccalaureate degree program.
Relating to measures to facilitate the successful completion of degree and certificate programs by certain adult learners at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to measures to enhance and maintain the quality of state universities, including funding and incentives to support emerging public research universities, to the abolition of the higher education fund, to the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system, to the independent status of Lamar Institute of Technology, to research conducted by public universities and other state entities, and to the authorization of revenue bonds for certain institutions of higher education.
Relating to financial support and incentives for the development of national research universities and high-quality comprehensive regional universities and a review of the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system.
Relating to financial support and incentives for the development of national research universities and high-quality comprehensive regional universities and a review of the institutional groupings under the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's accountability system.