Relating to the review, funding, and continuation of degree and certificate programs at public institutions of higher education based on certain performance standards.
Impact
One of the significant impacts of HB281 is its establishment of a performance rating system based on students' debt-to-earnings ratios. Programs that demonstrate a debt level that is concerning may receive a 'sanction' or 'sunset' rating, which prohibits new student enrollment and restricts funding for those programs starting from the first fiscal biennium after receiving such ratings. This approach emphasizes accountability in educational funding and aims to prioritize programs that succeed in leading students to gainful employment post-graduation.
Summary
House Bill 281 (HB281) seeks to establish a framework for the evaluation, funding, and continuation of degree and certificate programs at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill mandates a performance review of these programs every five years, with a focus on student loan debt relative to earnings. Programs that achieve high performance ratings will have more favorable funding opportunities, while those that lag in performance will face restrictions, including potential elimination or consolidation.
Conclusion
Ultimately, HB281 represents a significant shift toward a performance-based approach in higher education funding and program evaluation in Texas. By anchoring the future of educational programs to economic outcomes, it aims to enhance accountability but also challenges the traditional educational model that may prioritize access and diversity of programs beyond just financial metrics.
Contention
The bill has raised questions regarding its potential consequences for students enrolled in programs rated poorly. Critics argue that automatically consolidating or eliminating programs could risk the educational pathways for current students, particularly if these programs are essential for fulfilling core curriculum requirements. Furthermore, the definitions of the performance ratings may lead to a lack of diversity in educational offerings, which could disproportionately affect smaller or specialized programs that may not have immediate high earning outcomes for graduates, regardless of their educational quality.
Identical
Relating to the review, funding, and continuation of degree and certificate programs at public institutions of higher education based on certain performance standards.
Relating to measures to facilitate the successful completion of degree and certificate programs by certain adult learners at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program for certain students enrolled in competency-based baccalaureate degree programs and to formula funding and dropped and repeated course restrictions for students enrolled in those degree programs at public institutions of higher education.
Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.