Texas Senate Bill SB1499

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/10/11
• Refer: 3/22/11

Caption

Relating to advancement of college readiness in the public school curriculum through evaluations and recommendations of vertical teams composed of faculty members of institutions of higher education.

Impact

The bill is set to alter the existing Education Code by establishing requirements for the evaluation of public school curriculum through the insights of higher education professionals. By facilitating collaboration between secondary and post-secondary educators, SB1499 hopes to create a more coherent educational pathway for students transitioning from high school to college. This shift is anticipated to improve overall college success rates by ensuring that students possess the necessary skills upon graduation.

Summary

SB1499, introduced by Senator Watson, focuses on enhancing college readiness among students by modifying the public school curriculum. The bill mandates the formation of vertical teams comprised of faculty members from both public and private institutions of higher education. These teams are tasked with evaluating and recommending college readiness standards that students must meet to succeed in entry-level college courses. Through a structured approach, the bill aims to align high school curricula with these standards to better prepare students for post-secondary education.

Sentiment

The sentiments surrounding SB1499 appear to be largely positive among educational professionals who advocate for a collaborative approach to curriculum development. Supporters argue that the involvement of higher education faculty will bring expertise and current insights necessary for preparing students for the challenges of college-level work. Conversely, some concerns exist regarding the potential for increased bureaucracy and the challenge of adequately balancing various educational perspectives within these vertical teams.

Contention

One notable point of contention relates to the composition and appointment processes of the vertical teams. The bill stipulates that team members should have substantial experience in higher education, which may raise questions about inclusivity and representation of diverse educational backgrounds. Critics may argue that this focus could inadvertently narrow the perspectives involved in the curriculum formation process, leading to a misalignment with the needs of a diverse student population.