Texas Senate Bill SB779

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to applying credit earned by a student at a general academic teaching institution to an associate's degree at a lower-division institution of higher education previously attended by the student.

Impact

The bill's provisions will impact the Texas Education Code significantly by modifying the existing rules around credit transfer processes. Particularly, it aims to enhance the educational mobility of students by recognizing the academic efforts they have previously undertaken, thus potentially reducing the number of courses they need to repeat at their new institution. This is expected to not only save students time and financial resources but also encourage more students to pursue associate degrees and higher education in general.

Summary

Senate Bill 779 seeks to amend existing education laws concerning the transfer of college credits earned by students when they transition between academic institutions. Specifically, the bill allows for credits earned at a general academic teaching institution to be applied towards an associate's degree at a previously attended lower-division institution. This change is aimed at facilitating smoother credit transfers and supporting students who may decide to shift their educational pathways.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding SB779 have been generally positive, with advocates arguing that the bill is a necessary step towards streamlining the process of credit transfers in the Texas education system. Supporters believe that making it easier for students to transition from one institution to another aligns with larger educational goals of flexibility and accessibility. However, there may be some reservations among parties concerned about the implications this could have on the academic integrity and standardization of course credits between differing institutions.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, debates have emerged regarding potential challenges in implementation. Critics question how these changes might affect the quality assurance processes that institutions use to evaluate transfer credits. There is a concern that a blanket acceptance of credits could undermine the rigor of academic standards or lead to discrepancies in educational outcomes. Thus, while the intention is to support students, the discussions have also raised valid concerns about maintaining educational quality.