Texas House Bill HB4206

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a requirement that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board include the number of commercial driver's license training program certificates awarded by a public junior college in measuring the achievement of certificate and degree completion goals under the state's master plan for higher education.

Impact

With the passage of HB4206, public junior colleges will be recognized for their role in vocational education specifically pertaining to CDL training. By incorporating this data into the overall metrics for evaluating educational success, it supports the state's commitment to promoting various career paths, particularly in industries requiring specialized training. This legislative change therefore aligns vocational achievements with academic responses and goals, potentially influencing funding and program development.

Summary

House Bill 4206 seeks to enhance the accountability of public junior colleges in Texas by mandating that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board include the number of commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program certificates awarded by these institutions in their measurements of certificate and degree completion goals. This inclusion aims to provide a better understanding of the success rates of vocational and technical training programs in relation to broader educational outcomes.

Contention

While there do not appear to be significant public objections noted in the discussions or voting records, the bill signifies a broader recognition of vocational programs within the education system. As the state pushes for more career-ready graduates, stakeholders may debate the significance of including CDL certification alongside traditional degree metrics. Such discussions could revolve around the prioritization of trade skills in educational frameworks and the specter of resource allocation among educational institutions.