Texas House Bill HB1409

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the granting of undergraduate course credit by examination or assessment at public institutions of higher education; authorizing a fee.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would lead to changes in how public higher education institutions award credits for coursework. By formalizing the process for granting course credit based on examination performance, it aims to standardize practices across institutions, potentially simplifying the credit transfer process for students. The addition of institution-specific assessments could benefit students who may not excel in traditional examination formats but possess the knowledge and skills to succeed through alternative evaluation methods.

Summary

House Bill 1409 seeks to enhance opportunities for students at public institutions of higher education to earn undergraduate course credit through examinations and assessments. The bill mandates that each institution develop and administer institution-specific examinations at least once per academic year, which would allow entering or current undergraduate students to earn course credit similar to those who achieve qualifying scores on standardized tests such as CLEP or Advanced Placement exams. Institutions are permitted to charge a reasonable fee for students taking these exams, aiming to maximize flexibility and accessibility in earning credits.

Contention

A notable point of contention that may arise is the implications of allowing institutions to set fees for examinations. While supporters argue that this flexibility can enhance educational opportunities, critics may express concerns regarding access and equity. There could be fears that fees may deter low-income students from participating, thus potentially widening the gap in educational access. Additionally, the responsibility of developing and administering assessments could vary significantly across institutions, leading to disparities in the evaluation of student knowledge and capabilities.