This bill would prohibit an institution of higher education from adopting more stringent standards, to assess a student's readiness to perform freshman-level academic coursework, than those adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). The bill would also require institutions to offer a student, required to enroll in developmental education coursework, the option of enrolling in developmental education coursework as an online course or through other technology.

This bill would require institutions to base developmental education coursework on research-based best practices that include the following components: 1) assessment; 2) differentiated placement and instruction; 3) faculty development; 4) support services; and 5) evaluation. Institutions would also be required to provide professional development programs, including instruction in differentiated instruction methods designed to address student's diverse learning needs, for  developmental education faculty and staff. This bill also repeals Section 51.3062(e) of the Education Code which allows the THECB to use additional assessment instruments to measure college readiness.

The agencies estimate there would be a minimal cost associated with implementing the provisions of this bill.