Community college funding-distance education credit hours.
Impact
Should this bill be enacted, it is expected to significantly affect how community colleges calculate their funding based on distance education courses. The repeal of the full-time weighted equivalency could lead to a reassessment of the financial resources allocated to these institutions, thereby influencing the overall operational capacity of community colleges to deliver online education. This shift could also affect student enrollment and the variety of courses available, as institutions adjust to the new funding realities.
Summary
House Bill 0029 seeks to modify the funding allocation model for community colleges in Wyoming, specifically regarding distance education. The legislation eliminates the full-time weighted equivalency for distance education class credit hours in the calculations used for community college funding. By redefining what constitutes a distance education class, the bill aims to streamline the funding process and align it more closely with the growing prevalence of online and remote learning methodologies.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 0029 appears supportive, with the legislative vote demonstrating strong backing. The bill passed with a vote of 30-1, indicating that there is a consensus among legislators about the necessity of updating the funding model to reflect modern educational practices. However, there may also be concerns raised by those who fear that the changes could lead to underfunding in essential areas of online education, potentially affecting student access and resource allocation.
Contention
Despite its support, there are points of contention regarding the potential impacts of removing full-time equivalency credit from funding calculations. Critics could argue that this approach may neglect specific needs of community colleges that rely heavily on distance education to serve non-traditional students. By altering the financial incentives tied to distance education, there is a concern that institutions may deprioritize online courses or struggle to maintain quality and access for students who depend on these educational opportunities.
"Collegiate Computerized Educational Device (C-CompED) Act"; authorize public postsecondary educational institutions to purchase wireless communication devices for students.