Understanding the Texas House Bill 8 and How uPlanner Helps Colleges Meet New Funding Requirements

The Texas House Bill 8 (HB 8), passed on June 9, 2023, represents a significant shift in the funding model for community colleges across the state of Texas. The legislation aims to reform the traditional funding system, moving away from allocations based on course offerings and credit hours towards a performance-based model that incentivizes colleges to achieve specific educational outcomes.

The bill emerged from a recognition that the community college system needed a more dynamic and effective approach to funding. By prioritizing student success metrics such as degree completion and the awarding of valuable credentials, HB 8 seeks to enhance the quality of education and promote accountability within the community college system.

The primary objectives of HB 8 include:

• Promoting accountability in community colleges
• Enhancing the quality of education provided
• Tying funding more directly to successful student outcomes
• Rewarding institutions for effectively preparing students for the workforce
• Fostering innovation within the community college system

This new funding framework is seen as a crucial step towards improving educational attainment and aligning community college outcomes with the needs of Texas’s evolving job market.

Performance-Based Funding

The cornerstone of Texas House Bill 8 is the introduction of a performance-based funding model for community colleges. This represents a paradigm shift from the traditional funding approach, bringing several key components:

Performance-Based Funding Model

The most prominent feature of HB 8 is the transition to a dynamic funding mechanism that connects state funding to specific student outcomes. Under the new model, 95% of funding is allocated based on performance metrics. This approach marks a significant departure from the previous system, which primarily considered course offerings and credit hours.

Outcomes Measurement

The new funding model incentivizes community colleges to improve key student performance metrics, including:

• Number of degrees and credentials awarded
• Course completion rates
• Student retention rates

By tying funding to these outcomes, the bill aims to enhance educational attainment and workforce readiness among community college students.

Alignment with State Goals

The funding system is designed to align with broader state higher education objectives, particularly the initiative to build a stronger workforce in Texas. Colleges are now expected to focus on producing graduates equipped with the skills needed in the regional and state job markets.

Significance of Performance-Based Funding

The shift to performance-based funding is significant for several reasons:

• Improving Accountability: This approach holds colleges accountable for their performance, encouraging the adoption of effective strategies to support student success and completion rates.
• Fostering Innovation: By linking funding to outcomes, colleges are motivated to innovate their instructional methods, program offerings, and support services.
• Meeting Workforce Needs: The outcomes-based model is directly tied to the needs of the Texas workforce, ensuring that graduates possess relevant skills that align with job market demands.
• Encouraging Strategic Planning: Colleges are prompted to engage in more strategic long-term planning to ensure they meet the required performance metrics, thus improving the overall quality of education provided.

How uPlanner’s Curriculum Planning Solution Assists Institutions in Complying with HB8

With the introduction of Texas House Bill 8, community colleges must adapt to an outcomes-based funding model that prioritizes measurable student success and the awarding of credentials of value. The Curriculum Planning solution offers the functionality and features to help colleges navigate these changes effectively. Here’s how our platform can support colleges in meeting the new legislative requirements:

Competency Measurement

One of the central components of HB 8 is ensuring that community colleges equip students with skills that are directly applicable to the workforce. With Curriculum Planning, colleges have access to tools for tracking and assessing student competencies effectively. By aligning curriculum and assessments with these competencies, colleges can ensure that their programs are developing the skills that employers value most. 

Data Collection and Reporting

Compliance with HB 8 involves detailed data collection and reporting on student outcomes. Curriculum Planning helps automate the collection of relevant data, reducing the administrative burden on colleges. Our platform generates comprehensive reports, making it easier for institutions to submit accurate and timely information. Additionally, through detailed analytics, colleges can have insights into student performance, helping them identify areas for improvement and demonstrate their effectiveness in fostering student success. This data-driven approach enables colleges to make informed decisions and optimize their educational offerings in alignment with state goals.

Support for Accreditation

Accreditation is a critical factor for community colleges, especially when it comes to securing funding under new legislative frameworks like HB 8. The Curriculum Planning solution enables continuous improvement processes, which are essential for meeting accreditation standards. By documenting the achievement of specific competencies and learning goals, colleges can show accrediting bodies that they are committed to delivering high-quality education that meets both state and federal requirements. 

This support not only helps colleges maintain their accreditation status but also positions them to secure the necessary funding to continue their operations and expand their programs.

Enhanced Transparency

Transparency and accountability are key aspects emphasized by HB 8. With uPlanner’s Curriculum Planning solution, community colleges can provide clear and detailed reports on student outcomes. This level of transparency builds trust with stakeholders, including students, parents, employers, and policymakers. By demonstrating a commitment to measurable results and continuous improvement, colleges can enhance their reputation and secure the confidence of the community they serve. 

With a new era of performance-based funding for community colleges in Texas, institutions can look to leverage technology to ensure student success and successfully meet funding requirements. uPlanner’s Curriculum Planning solution provides the tools needed to track competencies, automate reporting, and enhance transparency.

See how our platform can support your college in meeting HB 8 requirements. Contact us today to book a demo!