Texas Senate Bill SB1271

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the development of a statewide online education and career advising tool and to a study and report on certain courses offered for college credit to public school students.

Impact

The bill mandates that the Texas Education Agency, in collaboration with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission, develop and implement the online advising tool. This initiative is expected to contribute positively to students' readiness for higher education and their subsequent entry into the workforce by equipping them with relevant information and resources. Moreover, the bill includes provisions for studying and reporting on the rigor of advanced courses offered for college credit, ensuring that students receive quality educational opportunities.

Summary

SB1271 aims to enhance educational and career planning for students in Texas by establishing a statewide online education and career advising tool. This tool is designed to assist students in making informed decisions regarding their postsecondary education and career paths. The online system will provide individualized career pathway generators, along with essential information concerning high school endorsements, dual credit opportunities, and the postsecondary options related to various careers, aligning educational choices with workforce needs in Texas.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1271 involve the responsibility for implementing the proposed tool and the funding necessary to support its establishment and ongoing operations. Education stakeholders may raise concerns about the quality and accessibility of the information provided through the advising tool, as well as the implications of the study on college credit courses. Additionally, the effectiveness of the suggested incentives aimed at ensuring high-quality courses remains a critical topic of discussion among educators and policy makers.