HB 3025, a bill by Rep. Dan Branch (R-Dallas), received an initial hearing before the House Committee on Higher Education, on March 24.
Rep. Branch chairs the committee.
An announced "Committee Substitute" (a routine replacement incorporating changes) is not currently available. However, based on testimony from the author as well as the text, HB 3025 would reduce the minimum core curriculum requirement for a baccalaureate degree in Texas from 42 to 36 semester hours.
The core curriculum constitutes the bulk of transfer-oriented coursework at two-year schools. Therefore, if enacted as currently written, HB 3025 would reduce the academic mission of all community colleges in the state. The list of courses to be included in the new core would be determined by the Coordinating Board "with the assistance of advisory committees" (including at least a majority of faculty members on each) during the next biennium. However, notwithstanding faculty consultation and input, which is required under existing statute, the minimum core standard would, by law, shrink from 42 to 36 semester hours under this bill.
Since courses taught at community colleges cost the state significantly less than those taught at universities, it is difficult to discern the reasoning behind such a move. A fiscal note accompanying the bill states, "No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated." Fiscal notes apply only to the forthcoming biennium, however, and the impact of this bill would undoubtedly stretch far beyond 2012-13.
Simply put, if more students take more courses at universities rather than community colleges, the financial implication for the state seems obvious. Lawmakers of all persuasions in both chambers constantly recommend an increased role for community colleges, as a means to conserve revenue.
In terms of deadlines, there are at least two. From the bill:
Each public institution of higher education in this state shall revise its core curriculum as necessary to conform to the requirements of Section 61.822, Education Code, as amended by this Act, and shall require students to comply with the institution's revised core curriculum beginning with the 2014 fall semester, except that an institution shall permit a student who was enrolled in the institution before the 2014 fall semester to comply with the core curriculum requirements applicable to that student before that semester. Each institution of higher education shall issue course catalogs that reflect the applicable core curriculum under Section 61.822, Education Code, consistent with this subsection. This subsection expires at the beginning of the 2016 fall semester.
As described by Rep. Branch, the bill would enact a number of changes designed to create more efficient "transfer pathways" for successful transition by students from community colleges to universities. Here's the text of HB 3025 as introduced. (Please scroll down to Section 6 for the core curriculum portion. Note: Proposed new language is underlined, with repealed text from current law struck through.)
Members are urged to be on the alert for forthcoming TCCTA updates on this and other matters.
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