Texas Senate Higher Education Subcommittee will discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, combating anti-Semitism on University of Texas campuses, and free speech on campus during an interim hearing in May 2024. After taking up the issue, advocates expected the committee to take up the remaining issues. During a subcommittee hearing held on Tuesday, September 24, preliminary charges were made, including the second wave recently issued by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.
However, the Senate Higher Education Subcommittee addressed only three interim issues during a hearing earlier this week: community college funding, innovation and technology in higher education, and accessibility to core curriculum courses. .
Community College Funding
Community colleges play a vital role in the public education system, providing high-quality workforce training and preparation for many students while serving as a springboard to four-year colleges for others. I am fulfilling my role. In fact, community colleges in Texas enroll 43% of all post-secondary students in the state, and in 2021, 69% of all bachelor’s degree holders will receive some transfer credit from a two-year university. was obtained.
Last session, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 8, which establishes a new community college funding model based on the recommendations of the Texas Commission on Community College Finance. Witnesses testified that the significant additional funding provided to community colleges has been extremely helpful in lowering tuition and expanding access, but under the state’s new performance-based funding formula, -Additional support may be needed in the near future to fully fund the college.
Dr. David Albert, president of Austin Community College (ACC) AFT, said the additional funding ACC received under HB 8 will allow community college districts to begin piloting free tuition. He submitted testimony expressing his gratitude. But Albert warned that results-based funding could create perverse incentives for institutions to treat students as numbers. To exploit this system, which provides additional funding to students who earn “valuable credentials” or students in high-demand fields, institutions manipulate students to increase revenue for community colleges and increase graduation requirements. and rigor to artificially increase the number of graduates who may pursue courses of study that weaken academic performance. Instead, Albert said, the state should fully fund community colleges so they can provide a quality education to all students, regardless of what they choose to study. He testified that support should be provided to community colleges that aim to offer free tuition. Access to higher education.
During the debate over HB 8, witnesses also spoke about Financial Aid for Rapid Transfer (FAST), a new financial aid program that allows “educationalally disadvantaged” students to enroll in dual credit classes for free. The subcommittee on programs was updated. The number of dual credit students in Texas is large and has grown rapidly under HB 8, now accounting for 28% of the state’s community college students. Expanding students’ access to higher education is an important goal worth pursuing, but it is important that students receive a high-quality education in a safe and secure environment that is conducive to learning.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Texas AFT-AAUP says it struggles to manage student behavior problems, engage students who are not academically ready to take college-level courses, and teach classes with a high percentage of dual-credit students. We heard from a number of higher education experts to report on. Although some growing pains are to be expected, there is a clear need for greater institutional support for educators and improved program design.
Innovation and technology in higher education
Witnesses testifying about innovation and technology in higher education focused on generative artificial intelligence (AI) and professional development. Generative AI tools are already having a disruptive impact on higher education, both negative and positive, but states can benefit the most from the use of this technology while minimizing the potential for negative impacts. Educators and students are actively working to make this possible. . Although it’s still early days for state regulation, the Texas Legislature has a committee selected to work with stakeholders on the impact of generative AI on jobs and consider the need for potential legislation. An association has been established.
Currently, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is focused on stakeholder engagement and professional development. THECB’s Digital Learning Division is a collaborative, educator-led initiative that is “building relationships across Texas with one common goal: making digital learning solutions available to everyone.” We are establishing a clearinghouse that aims to bring people together. THECB has created a website called Digital Learning TX. This website contains information about how educators can contribute to state efforts, collaborate with colleagues across the state, and participate in upcoming professional learning opportunities.
Core curriculum course accessibility
Finally, the committee heard testimony regarding the accessibility of core curriculum courses. Invited witnesses testified about the institution’s efforts to expand access to core curriculum courses by opening new campuses and offering virtual options while ensuring in-person instruction is available. .
The Senate Higher Education Subcommittee will likely lay the groundwork for legislation to be introduced in the next Congress over charges related to faculty senate, tenure, or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) academic programs. The interim committee has not held a public hearing on the matter. session. Stay tuned for updates on the final interim hearing scheduled for later this fall.
