The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board proposes the repeal of §§4.51 - 4.59, concerning implementation of the Success Initiative. Specifically, the proposed repeal of §§4.51 - 4.59, concerning the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) are being made to conform to the provisions of Senate Bill 286 of the 78th Texas Legislature. Senate Bill 286 repealed Texas Education Code, §§52.306 and 51.3061, concerning TASP, and enacted new §52.3062, establishing the Success Initiative. The proposed new sections set out the purpose, authority, and applicable definitions for the Texas Success Initiative. New §4.54 provides proposed exemptions and/or exceptions to the requirements of these rules and §§4.55, 4.56, and 4.57 establish the requirements of assessment by approved assessment instruments with minimum passing standards. Institutions are required to advise and determine a plan for academic success for each student under new §4.58 and determine a student's readiness to perform freshman-level academic coursework under §4.59. The evaluation and reporting requirements are set out in §4.60.

Dr. Leticia Hinojosa, Assistant Commissioner for Participation and Success, 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 government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Dr. Hinojosa has also determined that for each year of the first five years these sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of administering the sections will be a more individualized approach to preparing students for success in college-level work and eventually, success in the workforce. 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 proposal may be submitted to Dr. Leticia Hinojosa, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, P.O. Box 12788, Austin, TX 78711 or by email at Leticia.hinojosa@thecb.state.tx.us . Comments will be accepted for 30 days following publication of the proposed rules in the Texas Register.

The repeal of the rules is proposed under the Texas Education Code, §51.3062, which provides the Coordinating Board with the authority to adopt rules for the Success Initiative.

The repeal of the rules affect the Texas Education Code, §51.3062.