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Senate Committee on Higher Education - 83rd R.S. (2013)

Committee Members
Kel Seliger, Chair
Kirk Watson, Vice Chair
Brian Birdwell
Robert Duncan
Dan Patrick
Charles Perry
Royce West
Judith Zaffirini
Charges
• Review and evaluate the success of Closing the Gaps by 2015, the strategic plan for higher education adopted in 2000. Coordinate with the Higher Education Coordinating Board on the next set of long term goals for higher education and monitor their progress.
• Study and make recommendations regarding the impact of technology on higher education instruction, including online courses and massive open online courses (MOOCs), and their impact on higher education excellence, cost, and funding requirements.
• Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on Higher Education, 83rd Legislature, Regular and Called Sessions, and make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance and/or complete implementation. Specifically, monitor the following:

  • SB 414, relating to a study and report regarding authorizing certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs to address regional workforce needs;

  • SB 62, relating to the vaccination against bacterial meningitis of entering students at public and private or independent institutions of higher education;

  • SB 28 (2011), relating to eligibility for a TEXAS grant and to administration of the TEXAS grant program; and

  • HB 1244 (2011), relating to developmental education and the assessment of student readiness under the Texas Success Initiative and to students enrolled in developmental education at public institutions of higher education.
• Examine and make recommendations regarding improvements in teacher preparation and certification programs to address any misalignment with school district shortages and problems with retaining new teachers.
• Review and make recommendations regarding the use of dual credit coursework and other secondary school programs for college credit, including the academic rigor of such programs and predictive value for college success.
• Examine and make recommendations regarding alignment between high school coursework and expectations in freshman level college coursework. Study the impact of particular coursework, specifically mathematics (including Algebra II) and science courses, as predictors of college readiness and success.

Note:
Senator Charles Perry appointed 10/6/2014 (Appointment letter, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, 10/6/2014).

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