Blog

HB 8 and SB 2539 - Community College Finance is Transformative for Texans

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HB 8 and SB 2539 will increase economic mobility for families by increasing affordable postsecondary options as early as high school through its efforts to enhance dual credit options. It will also invest in re-skilling and up-skilling efforts that are often necessary for mid-career professionals to advance and increase their household earnings potential. We know that education can transform lives and we look forward to our state leaders working to ensure this mission is supported for decades to come.

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Research: Exploring Systems for College Readiness in Texas

Research by Texas Tech University, commissioned by Philanthropy Advocates, on Texas policies defining student coursework patterns and college readiness standards

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This report is intended to provide legislative staff simple information that outlines the effect of policies on student transitions from preK-12 into postsecondary education - overviewing college readiness incentives and accountability standards established by the state and analyzing trends in student course taking through the lens of HB 5 (2013).

College readiness is defined in state statute in one way, but there are multiple college readiness standards that are not fully aligned between preK-12 and higher education. This misalignment, coupled with an analysis of HB 5, indicates challenges in student transition between preK-12 to postsecondary education is largely a systems issue rather than that of individual students making poor choices. To achieve the goals of the Building a Talent Strong Texas strategic plan, the state should do more to further align education systems to reduce the burden on individual students and families navigating their postsecondary and career pathways.
 

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