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The Senate Higher Education Committee published their interim report to the 87th Legislature. The report reviews several topics, including adult learner students, innovative collaboration initiatives, data transparency and a legislative update on SB 25. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee only met on October 12, 2020, and addressed three interim charges. The Committee took testimony and considered guidance from higher education institutions, state agencies and other educational stakeholders. For more details including conclusions, background, and sources please view the complete report.

 

Spotlight on Recommendations

 

Charge #1 – Adult Learner Students

  • The Legislature should consider efforts to expand support for innovative collaborations between postsecondary institutions, private sector businesses and community organizations dedicated to expanding regional upskilling and reskilling pathways
  • Collaborations should allow for a strong environment that encourages industry leadership in partnering effectively with education and community to develop program curriculums and build talent pipelines that serve regional workforce needs
  • The Legislature should consider methods to provide incentives for higher education institutions to offer high-quality certificate and degree programs in adaptable and flexible formats for non-traditional students
  • This can include advising targeted to adult learners, integrated work-based learning initiatives, competency-based education programs, expanded digital learning options, flexible course scheduling and recognition of credit for prior learning
  • The Legislature shall explore methods removing barriers to and increasing support for wraparound services to ensure long-term completion and success for adult learner students
  • The wrap-around services should include ongoing career advising, financial aid, child care assistance and career supports
  • The Legislature should consider highlighting the availability and support for adult learners, particularly for prospective students with some college credit but no degree, to enroll and complete degree programs at Texas higher education institutions

 

Charge #2 – Data Transparency

  • The Legislature should support a statewide data-sharing model where higher education institutions and state agencies have access to student data that is already collected by school districts, colleges and state agencies
  • The data-sharing model should include a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) compliant agreement to streamline inefficiencies
  • This process should prioritize providing support for students and protecting the security of students’ confidential information
  • The Legislature should study the current data collection and reporting requirements at the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission
  • The Legislature should consider methods to streamline enrollment and simplify the student transition process from K-12 into postsecondary education, including simplified methods to transfer student information to institutions of higher education and one-stop advising for new students

 

Charge #3 – Monitoring

  • The Legislature should continue to monitor the implementation of SB 25, relating to measures to facilitate the transfer, academic progress, and timely graduation of students in higher education