By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1726
 
  (Branch)
 
   
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the development of measurable learning outcomes for
  undergraduate courses at public institutions of higher education.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 51, Education Code, is
  amended by adding Section 51.96851 to read as follows:
         Sec. 51.96851.  LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR UNDERGRADUATE
  COURSES. (a)  In this section, "institution of higher education" 
  has the meaning assigned by Section 61.003.
         (b)  To foster a transparent student learning environment at
  institutions of higher education and to facilitate the universal
  articulation of undergraduate courses that are transferable for
  credit among all institutions of higher education, each institution
  of higher education shall identify, adopt, and make available for
  public inspection measurable learning outcomes for each
  undergraduate course offered by the institution other than:
               (1)  a course with a highly variable subject content
  that is tailored specifically to an individual student, such as an
  independent study or directed reading course; or
               (2)  a laboratory, practicum, or discussion section
  that is an intrinsic and required component of a lecture course.
         (c)  An institution of higher education may adopt learning
  outcomes for a course under this section that are the same as or
  based on those identified for that course by the institution's
  recognized accrediting agency.
         (d)  In consultation with institutions of higher education,
  the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall adopt any rules
  the coordinating board considers appropriate for the
  administration of this section.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2011.