AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
This bill would stop funding for dual credit courses that are not likely to transfer (e.g., physical education courses) and incentivize institutions to provide only those courses that will be transferable to a two-year or four-year institution. As dual credit courses have increased in popularity since 2003, courses are offered that rarely transfer, limiting the effectiveness of dual credit as a means for expanding college access and success. Current law allows institutions of higher education to receive formula funding for dual credit coursework, regardless of whether the course is in the core curriculum.
This consolidation of dual credit courses would help address some of the concerns regarding quality of dual credit coursework. With the elimination of courses that do not transfer, the state can begin to "wrap its arms" around dual credit coursework and better analyze cost and effectiveness issues.
This bill would limit formula funding for dual credit courses to: courses listed in the core curriculum, foreign language courses, and career and technical education courses that apply to a certificate or associate's degree at the providing institution.
As proposed, S.B. 850 amends current law relating to formula funding for certain semester credit hours earned for dual course credit.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 61.059, Education Code, by adding Subsection (p), as follows:
(p) Requires the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), in its instruction and operations formula applicable to an institution of higher education, to include any semester credit hours earned for dual course credit at the institution through any of the following:
(1) a course in the core curriculum;
(2) a career and technical education course that applies to a certificate or associate's degree at the providing institution; and
(3) a foreign language course.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2011.