Relating to online and correspondence real estate and real estate inspection courses.
Impact
The legislation primarily impacts the framework of real estate education in Texas, allowing for increased flexibility in how courses are delivered. By enabling programs to offer courses online or by correspondence, the bill seeks to make real estate education more accessible to potential students who may face challenges in attending traditional classes. However, it also ensures that educational standards remain high by enforcing assessments and requiring oversight by approved instructors.
Summary
SB1184 aims to regulate the offering of online and correspondence courses by accredited real estate and real estate inspection education programs in Texas. It establishes specific requirements that these courses must meet to ensure they maintain educational quality comparable to in-person instruction. This includes provisions for course content, assessment methods, instructor qualifications, and the necessity for a physical location where in-person instruction is also available.
Contention
While the bill facilitates modern education methods, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of online instruction compared to face-to-face interactions. The requirement for proctored examinations and approved instructors indicates an effort to enhance credibility, but debates may arise concerning the effectiveness of such assessments in truly gauging a student's competency in practical real estate applications. As education increasingly shifts online, ensuring all students receive the same level of quality education becomes a critical point of discussion.
Relating to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, the Real Estate Research Advisory Committee, the Texas Real Estate Commission, and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board; increasing a fee; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, the Real Estate Research Advisory Committee, the Texas Real Estate Commission, and the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board; increasing a fee; authorizing a fee.
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.