As noted here frequently, Commissioner of Higher Education Raymund Paredes plans to propose to the Legislature a major shift in the way revenue is distributed through the higher education instructional funding formula. Simply put, he wants the enrollment "census" day to take place at the end of the semester instead of the traditional "12th class" day, for all public colleges and universities.
Recently, Dr. Paredes, in a presentation to the board of regents of Stephen F. Austin State University, noted that such a shift is part of a nationwide trend. Here's a key passage from an article by Michele Marcotte in the Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel:
"We want to place more emphasis on seeing students complete their courses," Paredes said.
"We want universities and community colleges to do all they can to help students persist. We've already put $80 million into incentive funding, and I would expect over time that more and more public higher education funding will be based on performance rather than simple enrollment at the beginning of the semester."
Parades said the sentiment of funding on performance is gaining popularity all over the country, noting how the Lumina Foundation, Obama administration and Gov. Rick Perry have all voiced support for the idea.
He said he planned to present the recommendation, along with another recommendation to alter the requirements for students to receive monies through the Texas Grant Program from being based solely on need to being based on both need and merit, before the Texas Legislature, which convenes next January.
Faculty members have expressed concerns that such a proposal would result in grade inflation. Based on statements made by Dr. Paredes on a number of previous occasions, students who receive failing grades would count as "completers."
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