A bill presented to the Senate Committee on Higher Education would require institutions of higher education to formulate "measurable learning outcomes" for each undergraduate course.
The bill, SB 1726, is sponsored by Sen. Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), who also chairs the committee.
Sen. Zaffirini stated during a hearing on April 13 that she was asked by the governor to put forth the measure. The bill also received the endorsement of the Governor's Business Council during the hearing.
Interestingly, in addition, SB 1726 would "require each undergraduate student to sign a student learning commitment developed by the institution … acknowledging that the student is aware of and understands the learning outcomes adopted for those courses that the student must successfully complete in order to complete the student’s degree program," according to the official fiscal note, available here.
The fiscal note also states that "Provisions of this bill would be implemented within existing resources," and that "No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated."
The Coordinating Board is granted the customary rule-making authority under the bill, "in consultation with institutions of higher education."
Here's the text of the bill as introduced. A committee substitute not currently available was held pending by the committee.
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