Texas Senate Bill SB1726

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/11/11
• Out of Senate Committee: 4/19/11
• Voted on by Senate: 4/28/11
• Refer: 3/23/11
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/11
• Report Pass: 4/19/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 4/28/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 5/2/11
• Report Pass: 5/19/11
• Enrolled: 5/24/11
• Passed: 6/17/11

Caption

Relating to the development of measurable learning outcomes for undergraduate courses at public institutions of higher education.

Impact

If enacted, SB1726 is expected to significantly modify how public universities in Texas operate with respect to course content and assessment. By ensuring that learning outcomes are systematically identified, adopted, and made available, the bill seeks to create a more uniform standard across all public educational institutions. Such a framework could potentially improve the accountability of institutions and enhance student engagement by providing clear goals for academic achievements.

Summary

SB1726 is a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing the transparency and efficacy of undergraduate education at public universities in Texas. The bill mandates that each public institution of higher education develops and publicly shares measurable learning outcomes for every undergraduate course. This initiative is grounded in the belief that clearly defined outcomes will aid both students and faculty in understanding educational expectations and will facilitate smoother credit transfers between institutions.

Contention

The bill may spark discussions regarding academic freedom, as some educators might view standardized learning outcomes as restrictive. Concerns have been raised that not all learning experiences can be easily quantified or measured through defined outcomes, especially in more variable course formats like independent studies or lab sessions. Supporters argue that the benefits of transparency and academic rigor outweigh these concerns, promoting better educational outcomes overall.