Texas House Bill HB951

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study conducted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board on the qualification for and performance at institutions of higher education of certain students who completed certain mathematics courses during high school.

Impact

The legislation mandates that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board report annually on the findings from these studies, which would include important comparisons between different student groups based on their completed coursework. This initiative aims to inform legislators about the effectiveness of math education as it relates to further academic opportunities, potentially influencing future educational policies and funding decisions. Reports focusing on numbers such as retention and acceptance rates are intended to provide insights into how well prepared students are for college-level work, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Summary

House Bill 951 addresses the need for a comprehensive study conducted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding the qualifications and performance of high school students, particularly those from low-income areas who completed specific mathematics courses. The objective of this bill is to analyze how different math curricula, chiefly Algebra II versus other advanced math courses, impact acceptance and retention rates at state institutions of higher education. This is crucial for determining whether current educational requirements are equitable and effective in preparing students for higher education.

Contention

One notable aspect of HB951 is its focus on students graduating from low-income districts, which may generate discussions about educational equity and access. The bill also emphasizes the importance of financial aid eligibility and admission opportunities for those students. This focus might lead to debates regarding whether current educational frameworks adequately support disadvantaged students or if they need reform. Overall, while supporters may see this as a method to enhance educational outcomes and promote fair access to higher education, critics may argue about the efficacy of such studies in enacting actual changes or how they might be used politically.