The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes amendments to §§4.53, 4.54, 4.58, and 4.59, in Subchapter C, Texas Success Initiative. Specifically, the amendments will add a definition for Mathematics Pathway Models, add qualifications for math college readiness aligned to degree pathways, establish conditions for additional developmental education interventions when a student changes degree pathways, and require institutions to advise students of the consequences of meeting a particular determination of math readiness.

The amendments also add language to comply with provisions passed in House Bill 5, 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session. Specifically, Texas Education Code §51.3062(q-2), regarding exemptions provided to students who successfully complete the college preparatory course described under Texas Education Code §28.014, which defines the period of the exemption to the Texas Success Initiative and the manner in which the exemption should be applied to an institution of higher education other than the institution that partnered to develop the college preparatory course.

The amendments to the rules proposed for these sections were developed and unanimously approved by the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on the Texas Success Initiative on April 2, 2014 and the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on Exemptions relating to HB 5 College Preparatory Courses on April 16, 2014.

Dr. Judith Loredo, Assistant Commissioner, P-16 Initiatives, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, there will not be any fiscal implications to state or local governments as a result of the proposed amendments.

Dr. Loredo has also determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the sections will be the improvement of persistence and success of entering college freshmen deemed not college ready and the alignment of expectations for the Texas Success Initiative exemption, while allowing time for adequate data collection to examine the student success rate and effectiveness of the college preparatory courses for preparing students for entry-level college courses. There is no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated economic costs to persons who are required to comply with the sections as proposed. There is no impact on local employment.

Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted to Dr. Judith Loredo, Assistant Commissioner, P-16 Initiatives, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, Texas 78711 or via email at Diana.Foose@thecb.state.tx.us. Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Education Code §51.307, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules to implement the provisions of Texas Education Code §51.3062, concerning the Success Initiative, and under Texas Education Code §51.3062(q-2), which requires the commissioner of higher education to make rules regarding the period of the exemption outlined in the same subsection.

The amendments affect Texas Education Code §51.3062.