Relating to performance-based funding goals for general academic teaching institutions.
Impact
If enacted, SB2848 would allocate at least 15 percent of the performance-based funding distributed to general academic institutions based on the achievement of established goals related to student graduation rates. This means that financial resources would not only be dependent on enrollment numbers but also on the institutions’ effectiveness in ensuring that students graduate in a timely manner. This performance-based approach could lead to significant changes in how institutions strategize their academic programs and support services for students.
Summary
Senate Bill 2848 aims to reform the funding structure for general academic teaching institutions in Texas by implementing performance-based funding goals. Starting in the 2026-27 biennium, the bill requires that a portion of funding appropriated to these institutions be tied to outcome measures that promote timely graduation among students. This marks a shift towards incentivizing educational institutions to enhance student success rates through better graduation timelines.
Contention
There may be concerns regarding the effectiveness of performance-based funding as it relates to equitable access to education. Critics might argue that linking funding to graduation rates could disproportionately affect institutions serving a higher number of at-risk students, who may face more challenges in completing their degrees in a timely manner. It raises questions about whether this funding model might inadvertently penalize institutions that cater to diverse populations with varying levels of support needs.
Relating to creating a framework for including certain credentials of value offered by general academic teaching institutions as part of a baccalaureate degree program.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy.
Relating to the administration and investment of, and distribution and use of money from, certain constitutional and statutory funds to support general academic teaching institutions in achieving national prominence as major research universities and driving the state economy; redesignating the national research university fund as the Texas University Fund.
Relating to the general responsibility of public institutions of higher education and to protected expression and academic freedom at those institutions.
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.