Texas

In this report, we examined five kinds of equity-focused metrics in state OBF policies to determine the extent to which states prioritize the enrollment and success of students of color and students from low-income backgrounds:

  1. Enrollment metrics for students of color
  2. Success metrics for students of color
  3. Enrollment metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
  4. Success metrics for students from low-income backgrounds
  5. Metrics related to campus racial climate

While the inclusion of these metrics in policies is essential, how they are deployed is equally as important. Therefore, we also considered whether the metrics were mandatory, optional, or weighted. Weighted metrics are the most ideal. These are mandatory and are given additional value, so strong institutional performance on a weighted metric would garner greater advantage or funding.

Two-Year Institutions

Texas adopted the Success Points outcomes-based funding model in 2013, which awards bonus funding annually on the basis of student achievement.

Success Points are awarded for the completion of certain milestones. Multiple points can be awarded for an individual student who achieves multiple milestones.

Points are awarded for students who are enrolled and meet the following milestones:

  • College Readiness
    • Became college ready (met Texas Success Initiative standards in math, reading, or writing — 1 point for math, 0.5 point for reading, 0.5 point for writing)
  • First College-Level Math
    • Successfully completed the first college-level math course; 1 point
  • First College-Level Reading/Writing
    • Successfully completed the first college-level reading/writing course — 0.5 point for reading, 0.5 point for writing, 1 point for reading/writing intensive
  • Accumulation of 15 and 30 Credit Hours
    • Successfully completed their first 15 semester credit hours (SCH) — 1 point
    • Successfully completed their first 30 SCH — 1 point
  • Degrees and Certificates Awarded
    • Earned a degree or certificate (not in a critical field) — 2 points
  • Degrees and Certificates Awarded in a Critical Field
    • Earned a degree or certificate in a critical field — 2.25 points
  • Transfer With 15 credit hours
    • Transferred to a senior institution after having successfully completed 15 SCH — 2 points

The policy does not have a campus climate metric.

The policy is overseen by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. To learn more, visit http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/DocFetch.cfm?DocID=9595&Format=PDF

The state formula advisory committee for two-year colleges recommended that new success point metrics, which would tie low-income status to academic readiness, be implemented in 2022. The board adopted the recommendations, but the legislature has yet to approve the changes. Learn more about the recommended changes here:http://reportcenter.highered.texas.gov/reports/data/formula-funding-recommendations-2022-2023/.

Two-Year Institutions

Enrollment of Students of Color None
Success of Students of Color None
Enrollment of Students from Low-Income Backgrounds None
Success of Students from Low-Income Backgrounds None
Measure Related to Campus Climate None
Outcomes-Based Funding Map Placeholder
Outcomes-Based Funding Map