September 2013 1

MESSENGERTCCTA

The TCCTA Convention Comes Early This Year!Make your plans to attend now!

Feb. 6-8, 2014Marriott Rivercenter HotelSan Antonio

VOLUME L SEPTEMBER 2013 NUMBER 1

2 TCCTA Messenger

TCCTA COMMITTEE MEETINGS�ursday, February 6, 2014

�e Marriott Rivercenter Hotel

Professional Development Committee ...........2:00–4:00Legislative Committee ...................................2:00–4:00Membership Services Committee ..................2:00–4:00Publications Committee ................................2:00–4:00Resolutions Committee .................................3:00–4:00Auditing Committee .....................................3:00–4:00Executive Committee and all Chairs ..............4:00–5:00Election Committee ......................................5:00–6:00

THE TCCTA ANNUAL CONVENTION IS EARLIER THIS YEAR!Members are urged to make hotel reservations now. The cut-off date for the group ho-tel rate is January 14, 2014. Hotel information is found on the inside back cover of this

issue of the Messenger. 67th Annual Convention

TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION MARRIOTT RIVERCENTER HOTEL February 6-8, 2014

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

“�e Power of Harmony”

THURSDAY—FEBRUARY 6, 2014

8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Special Meetings

12:00–6:00 p.m. Registration

2:00–4:00 p.m. Committee Meetings, as called by Chairs

2:00–6:30 p.m. Exhibits Open

5:30–6:30 p.m. Exhibits Opening Reception

6:30 p.m. BANQUET (Tickets required)

7:15 p.m. GENERAL SESSION

FRIDAY—FEBRUARY 7, 2014

8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Registration

8:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. Exhibits Open

8:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Election of Officers

8:00– 9:15 a.m. Financial Planning Seminar

8:00– 9:15 a.m. Great Ideas For Teaching Students (GIFTS)

9:30– 11:00 a.m. Section Meetings

11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Section Meetings

1:00– 2:15 p.m. Professional Development Semi-nar

2:30– 5:15 p.m. Technology Seminars, Special, and Section Meetings

4:00– 5:15 p.m. Faculty Senate Best Practices

5:45 p.m. Raffle, Music, and Refreshments

SATURDAY—FEBRUARY 8, 2014

8:00–11:30 a.m. Convention Registration

8:00–9:00 a.m. Book Blitz

8:00– 9:00 a.m. Financial Planning Seminar

9:00–10:15 a.m. Section Meetings

10:30–11:45 a.m. Section Meetings

11:45 a.m. Adjournment

12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Special Meetings

Convention-At-A-Glance

2014 ConventionRegistration Information

All 2013-14 members will be automatically registered for the con-vention. Fees will be paid upon arrival. �ere is no “advance” fee pay-ment or pre-registration.

�e TCCTA Executive Committee has established the following schedule of registration fees for the 2014 convention:

• Professional, Associate, Student, and Unaffiliated: $75.00• Immediate Family of Registered Members: No Charge (provided

the guests are not themselves eligible for professional membership)• Guests of the Association/Program Speakers: No Charge (not eli-

gible for professional membership)• Representatives of Exhibitors: No Charge (not eligible for profes-

sional membership)• All Others: $120.00

September 2013 3

83rd Session Offers Mixed Results

MESSENGERwww.tccta.org

VOLUME L SEPTEMBER 2013

TCCTA

A Publication of the TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

5113 Southwest Parkway, Suite 185 Austin, Texas 78735Toll-Free 1-800-288-6850 In Austin (512) 328-2044 Fax (512) 328-1086

Copyright © 2013, Texas Community College Teachers Association. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reprint articles provided they are reprinted in their entirety and ap-propriate credit is given to the author and to the TCCTA Messenger. Brief quotations and statistical data may be reproduced provided that the TCCTA Messenger is cited as the source.

NUMBER 1

Fall Faculty ConferenceSet for Austin

�e 34th Annual TCCTA Fall Conference for Faculty Leaders will be held October 11-12, 2013, at the Marriott Austin South Hotel.

Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. Friday. At 3:30, the program will feature two breakout sessions. One is “Faculty Senate Best Practices.” Previous meetings on

(Continued on Page Five)

“First, you can join TCCTA.

Your association is

respected in Austin, and

policy makers pay attention

when your professional

voices speak in unison,

from every campus—

and legislative district

—in Texas.”

�e recent Regular Session, as you will note on these pages, produced some significant changes.

Most notable is the forthcoming advent of outcomes-based funding for community colleges. TCCTA opposed this concept in testimony, and I pointed out to one com-mittee that faculty members are the principal guardians of standards and academic integrity, and we are concerned about the unintended consequences of such a plan. It is TCCTA’s position that it’s about rigor—an essential component of a college education.

During the interim between Sessions, your association will continue to stress the imortance of academic integrity as the new policy is implemented. While outcomes-based funding is “sweeping the country,” as one policy maker put it, I believe we represent a constructive force in mak-ing sure our students receive the education they, and our citizens, deserve.

When visiting with clients, I am often asked, “What can I do?”

First, you can join TCCTA. Your association is re-spected in Austin, and policy makers pay attention when your professional voices speak in unison, from every campus—and legislative district—in Texas.

Next, get informed. Pay attention to our communi-cations and contribute to the discussion on the “Blog” feature of the Web site.

�ird, get to know your legislators while they are “at home.” Invite your representative and senator to visit your campus, ideally in a joint meeting with faculty, ad-ministration, and board members. It’s always impressive when all stakeholders are on the same page.

Finally, participate in TCCTA events—especially the Fall Conference for Faculty Leaders and the Annual Con-vention. I hope to see you there! ✩

What You Can Doby Beaman FloydTCCTA Lobbyist

�e 2013 Regular Session produced a number of notable results for community and technical college educators.

Instructional formula funding for two-year schools increased significantly, from $868 million to $883 million for the next biennium (2014-15).

However, sudden declines in contact hour enrollment at many colleges precluded a larger increase. Most observers attribute the dip to the booming energy industry in Texas, which has lured many potential students into the workforce. Tuition increases and reductions in student aid in recent years also likely contributed to the drop.

�e 83rd Session was historic for community colleges in at least two ways. First, lawmakers enacted a plan for outcomes-based funding, after many years of debate.

A strong coaltion of business groups, coupled with the support of the Texas Associaiton of Community Colleges, produced a funding model to be based partially on thresholds of student success.

Second, the long debate over “proportionality” in the funding of benefits may have ended.

Please see pages 8-9 for details of these and other issues of importance to two-year college educators. ✩

September 2013

Also In This Issue…State President Carol Lowe offers thoughts on the beginning of the new school year .................. Page 4

Michael Berberich advises on the most effective letters of recommendation .................................................. Page 6

News Briefs ................................................................ Page 7

Legislative News ....................................................... Page 8

2014 Convention Preview ..................................... Page 10

Convention Hotel Information ................................ Page 11

Membership Enrollment Form ............................. Page 12

4 TCCTA Messenger

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A Publication of theTEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

5113 Southwest ParkwaySuite 185

Austin, Texas 78735

Toll-Free 1-800-288-6850In Austin (512) 328-2044

Fax (512) 328-1086http://www.tccta.org

CAROL LOWEPresident

❈

RICHARD MOOREExecutive Director

❈

TCCTA Messenger (ISSN 1091-398X) is published four times annually, in September, December, January, and April, by the TEXAS COMMU-NITY COLLEGE TEACH-ERS ASSOCIATION, 5113 Southwest Parkway, Suite 185, Austin, Texas 78735. Annual dues $45, $5 of which is for subscription to TCCTA Mes-senger. TCCTA Messenger is abstracted and indexed in the ERIC monthly abstract journal, Resources in Educa-tion. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas. POSTMAS-TER: Send address changes to TCCTA Messenger, 5113 Southwest Parkway, Suite 185, Austin, Texas 78735.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s that time of year again: fresh boxes of crayons, newly sharp-ened pencils, pictures of bright red apples and yellow leaves (which always left me, a native Texan, won-dering what Novem-

ber–type leaves had to do with going to school in September). After many student years and even more years of teaching, a tinge of back-to-school excitement still motivates me every fall. My students have cell phones instead of crayons, but, espe-cially in the morning classes the first day or two, there’s a palpable air of tentative anticipation of this milestone, students be-ginning college.

While for us the back-to-school rituals aren’t as much fun as picking out folders in your favorite colors and buying new shoes, we all have long “to-do” lists: revising syl-labi, updating Blackboard classes, attend-ing faculty meetings.

Please allow me to suggest a few addi-tional items for your back-to-school list.• Join TCCTA. Don’t put it off. Don’t

put it in your “things to do as soon as I have a spare minute” file. Do it now! It’s quick and easy to join or renew your membership online at www.tccta.org.

• Recruit a colleague. TCCTA is so famil-iar to me that it’s easy to forget newer faculty may not know about the orga-nization. Send a quick email to all new faculty in your department and refer them to the TCCTA Web site. Pass along your copy of the Messenger.

• Make a reservation now for the 2014 convention February 6-8. We need your presence and support. In addition, this year’s convention will be in San Anto-nio, a fantastic place to have fun.As a former campus representative at

McLennan, I’ve heard faculty ask, “What can TCCTA do for me?” If you need an

✯answer to this question, for yourself or new faculty, the Web site provides “�e Top 10 Reasons to Join TCCTA Today!” (www.tccta.org/members).

I, however, would suggest that you think about your membership from a dif-ferent perspective. Perhaps we should ap-ply John F. Kennedy’s famous quotation to ask, “What can I do for TCCTA?” I ben-efit every day of my professional life from the work of our association. Your member-ship helps ensure TCCTA is there for you and your colleagues.

Since its inception, TCCTA has provid-ed excellence in professional development and integrity in political advocacy. �e role of TCCTA in our profession becomes more crucial as we move through years of financial uncertainty and increasing ten-dencies to move educational decisions fur-ther from the classroom.

TCCTA can, and should, and I believe will stand as a rock-solid center for us as professional educators, but only to the extent that each of us contributes to the foundation of the organization by becom-ing members, by participating in its activi-ties, and by responding when called upon to play an active role whether as an officer, on a committee, as a campus representa-tive, presenting at any of the conferences, or even attending the annual convention. You are TCCTA. We are TCCTA. And each of us has a professional obligation to our students, to our colleagues, and to the future of our profession to enable TCCTA to continue its vital mission.

So while you’re sharpening those pencils, take five minutes to click on www.tccta.org and join or renew your membership. �en have a happy back-to-school season!

September 2013 5

✯Fall Conference to Focus on Important Issues

Greg Stephens

Jay Brim

(continued from page one)

For the latest information

on issues affecting Texas

two-year colleges,

visit the TCCTA Blog, at

www.tccta.org.

this topic at TCCTA conferences have garnered much interest. “Tips for Campus Representatives” will also be offered during this period, where those in charge of membership on their campus can share ideas with colleagues from around the state.

Volunteers will serve as facilitators.�e program will continue, at 5:30, with an informal

social hour and dinner. �e dinner program will feature “Student Success Initiatives,” with John Fitzpatrick, executive director of Educate Texas. Mr Fitzpatrick has an extensive history working with education. He served as executive director of the Capital Area Training Foundation, now Skillpoint Alliance, where he worked to build relationships between the business sector, educational interest groups, and community partners. He spent four years on Capitol Hill where he worked on education and workforce development policies for the U.S. Congress. Mr. Fitzpatrick began his career in education as a middle school teacher and coach. He received a bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, and a master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at University of Texas-Austin.

Later in the evening session, Austin attorney Jef-ferson K. (Jay) Brim will discuss “Current Legal Issues in Higher Education.” Mr. Brim is a 30-year lawyer and litigator who has represented thousands of licensed professionals (primarily in the fields of education, medi-cine and counseling) in matters related to employment and licensure. He has also represented non-profit and governmental entities in matters related to government regulation and corporate organization.

Mr. Brim’s clients have included employees of public and private schools, colleges and universities, educational institutions, non-profit corporations and associations of the members of various professions, as well as many in-dividuals with regard to their employment in the private sector. He has tried cases before the court and to juries throughout Texas, and argued before the Texas Supreme Court and all but two of the fourteen Courts of Appeal. He has actively practiced in all four of the four U.S. District Courts of Texas and in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Mr. Brim has successfully represented TCCTA mem-bers on legal matters for many years.

Saturday morning, at 8:00, registration will continue and a sponsored breakfast will be served for all partici-pants.

�e 9:00 morning program offers “Crucial Account-ability,” with Greg Stephens, a master trainer with VitalSmarts.

An innovator in training and organizational per-formance, VitalSmarts helps teams and organizations achieve the results they care about most. With award-winning training products based on more than 30 years of ongoing research, VitalSmarts has helped more than 300 of the Fortune 500 realize significant results using a proven method for driving rapid, sustainable, and mea-surable change in behaviors. VitalSmarts has been ranked twice by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies in America and has taught more than 2 mil-lion people worldwide.

�e lunch program will feature “An Update on the Texas Legislature.” Scheduled to speak is Beaman Floyd, a professional contract lobbyist who represents TCCTA.

Mr. Floyd specializes in legislative issues relating to insurance, including teachers’ health benefits and retire-ment, workers’ compensation, public education, and financial institutions. He has worked with the Texas Legislature since 1993, and will address the inner work-ings of the legislative process, and the challenges and opportunities for the next Regular Session.

�e conference will adjourn at 1:45 p.m.While designed primarily for leaders of local faculty

organizations, the conference is open to all interested TCCTA members and faculty leaders. College presidents and other administrators are also encouraged to attend and participate.

REGISTRATION FEE—$75, payable on arrival (includes light meal Friday evening and Saturday’s breakfast and lunch).

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION—To register for the Fall Conference, please fill out the registration form at www.tccta.org/events to scan and send to Carole Hawkins at chawkins@tccta.org or send printed copy by fax to 512-328-1086.

HOTEL INFORMATION—�e Marriott Austin South is located at 4415 South IH-35 in Austin. TCCTA has a flat Group Rate of $129, which can be reserved by phone at 512-441-7900.

NOMINATING COMMITTEESEEKS RECOMMENDATIONSTerry Mouchayleh, Tarrant County College,

chair of the TCCTA Nom inating Com mittee, has announced that the committee is inviting recommen da tions of individuals for consideration as nominees for officers for 2014-15.

Recommendations should be submitted soon in order to be considered by the Nom inating Com-mittee in its Nov ember meeting.

Recommendations should be sent to:Terry MouchaylehTarrant County College–Trinity River300 Trinity Campus CircleFort Worth, TX 76102theresa.mouchayleh@tccd.edu

TCCTA COMMITTEES TO MEETBEFORE CONFERENCE

�e TCCTA Legislative, Membership Services, and Publications Committees will meet at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, October 11, in conjunction with the Conference for Faculty Leaders, at the Marriott Austin South.

The Professional Development Committee, which sponsors the conference, will meet at 1:00 p.m.

Agendas and other information will be distrib-uted by the chairs of the four committees.

John Fitzpatrick

6 TCCTA Messenger

Writing Good Letters of Recommendationby Michael Berberich

Galveston College

One of our rewards in teaching comes from getting to know students. Each with his or her own reasons for being in college, to my way of thinking every student is an extraordinary person with a dream and a story. And one of the honors of knowing students is that they sometimes ask us to write letters of recommendation; they count on us to add shade, tone, corroboration, and nuance to the big picture their application package aims to present. I take conscientious pride in this honor, for I know that what I write matters to both the student and the recipient.

Unfortunately, I have also sat on committees that required me to slog through a pile of reference letters that were, to be frank, lame and ineffective—despite their good intentions. Occasionally a letter for a student whom I know to be wonderful would appear and say little more than “Robby works hard and is wonderful. I recommend this student highly.” It pains me to read such letters. The student is competing for a limited resource where dozens of other recommendation letters give the decision makers much more to go on, yet it is the lackluster faculty reference letter that takes an excel-lent student out of the competition.

With these thoughts in mind I’d like to offer some general guidelines and strategies for writing letters of recommendation. You can even go to the TCCTA Web site where you will find some sample letters for model-ing, at the link provided below. �e strategies I offer will address the most common kinds of recommendation we are asked to write: admissions to selective programs; applications for scholarship funding; and job references.

To begin, remember the basics. I always open by stat-ing that I am happy to have been asked to write the rec-ommendation. Readers appreciate hearing that courtesy, I believe. One line does the trick. I also suggest that you state the capacity in which you know the student, for how long you’ve known the student, and what qualifies you to speak with authority or insight about this student.

Since I teach English, I start my project with some prewriting where I jot down thoughts and ideas. I’ll do a sketch draft from which I will polish up a final draft. My first step is to analyze the audience. If the student has not supplied me with a copy of what information my letter should cover, I ask for that information. I analyze what skills or qualities the decision makers must base their decision on, and then list any of the ways the student matches up with those requirements. Next, I pull my records of the student, especially any short side notes I might have made about the homework, papers, reports, or test results. I look for details that might match up with my analysis of what the committee says it will base its decision on.

�ese match points should then be introduced early in the letter. Following my opening line where I state my pleasure at writing the recommendation, I like a first paragraph that highlights the best illustration I can come up with of the student’s capability, character, or potential. I find it a good idea to reinforce these points again in the last line of the body of the letter. (I save my

Michael Berberich

very last line to indicate how strongly I recommend the candidate and to thank the readers of my letter for their time and attention.)

If space allows, I will lengthen the first paragraph or add a second paragraph that might add extra useful details. One of my favorite techniques is to actually quote the student in a revelatory “light bulb” moment when an epiphany happens. �e student comes tellingly alive to readers in such moments. Moreover, quoting the student adds the benefit of reinforcing the language of the student’s own prose in the other materials of the application submitted by the student.

Here is the biggest “don’t” of recommendation writ-ing: Avoid the bugaboo of the sweeping, unsubstantiated generalization. Aim for specificity instead. “Robby works hard” merely conveys what a hundred other letters say. “Robby works harder than anyone in the class” is better, I suppose, but not much. Try “More times than I would care to count Robby stayed after class to make sure that he understood the material.” Or create an image: “Sev-eral times a day I walk past the library, where I often see Robby in the group study area with the chemistry study group he helped organize.” �at is so much better than “Robby works hard,” wouldn’t you agree?

I once saw an older student walking home amidst the gulf coast’s midsummer drenching humidity. It was a good thing, too, because it turned out the student’s bike was out of commission and she was not halfway along on a five-mile walk. I used the detail of the five-mile walk later that year when I wrote on her behalf. And I was al-most as ecstatic as she was when she received enough of a scholarship to carry her through the next academic year.

I pay special attention to the delicate matter of tone. �ough the occasion for the letter is formal, a sense of human warmth and friendliness is sometimes of inesti-mable value. Decision makers want to feel good about the decisions they make; they want to admit, award, or hire persons who will make them feel good when they present their decision to the final audience. �e com-mittee’s first positive impressions can be bolstered by the tone and enthusiasm of your good letter. We’ve all seen it: When a decision comes down to the last two or three candidates, it is the littlest of things that can make the difference, and tone is one of those fine points that matter.

�ese tips may sound time consuming, yet in my experience writing letters of recommendation is one of the most rewarding components of teaching. �ey are truly worth the effort. �ough I’m sure I’ve left out some worthy tips, these ideas offer a place to start the deepen-ing of this reward of the job.

One final thought: Save the letters you write. �ey can be adapted in the future. And you’ll find that with just about everything else we do in life, it comes more easily the more you do it.

Write on!Sample letters of recommendation can be viewed at

www.tccta.org/links. Click on “Links of Interest.”

September 2013 7

News Briefs and Links

Transfer Students Perform Well

More than 60 percent of students who transferred from two�year schools in the 2005�2006 academic year (the most recent period with available data) obtained degrees at four�year institutions. Another eight percent remained in college and were still working on a four�year degree six years after transfer, according to an August 6 report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

These relatively healthy numbers are also true of Texas. In fact, according to the Texas Association of Community Colleges, “Compared to students who enroll in universities their freshman year, community college students are more likely to graduate, and are more likely to graduate in less time.”

Unfortunately, such information illustrates a fundamental dilemma with statistics on student success.

If we take the total number of students who enter the open door of a community college—presumably those who also state they intend to earn a baccalaureate degree—then examine how many have graduated from a university six years later, the resultant percentage is very low. However, there is no statistical inconsistency because the rosier scenario measures the success of those who have already completed their courses at a two-year college.

The new study does underscore the commonly reported observation that success rates rise when students receive a credential, rather than transfer when they believe they are ready.

The Gates EffectAn important article on the influence of the Bill

and Melinda Gates Foundation has been published in the July 14 issue of Chronicle of Higher Education. �e piece is written by Marc Parry, Kelly Field, and Beckie Supiano.

It is striking how many contemporary controversies in higher education (MOOCs, competency-based instruction, and the diminishing role of faculty in setting academic standards, for instance) can be linked to programs and research funded by the Gates Foundation.

For the community college educator, the most salient component of the Gates initiatives is the push to measure the success of education in terms of degrees and certificates awarded—the so-called completion agenda.

From the Chronicle article:Critics fear that the focus on quickly pumping more students through the system could encourage colleges to water down requirements or turn away applicants who might struggle. Already some feel it has prompted community colleges to churn out too many graduates with short-term certificates that polish the colleges’ completion numbers but offer dubious long-term value to students. Eventually, critics worry, the foundation’s efforts to promote access and completion could actually increase social divisions by creating separate and unequal programs.

Carol Fricke

Daisy Graves

TCCTA Announces Staffing Changes

Carol Fricke, who served as administrative assistant at the TCCTA state office for 37 years, retired in July. “I know our members will join us in wishing Carol all the best in her well-deserved retirement,” said Richard Moore, executive director. “I can’t stress enough how important her service has been. She always performed her responsibilities professionally, efficiently, and with good cheer. We will miss her daily presence in the office, but are happy for her as well.”

Daisy Graves has been hired as office manager. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration at Wayland Baptist University in 2012. She also earned an associates degree in management from Vernon College. Ms. Graves was previously an office manager for a construction company in Wichita Falls. Welcome, Daisy!

ACT Report Shows Mixed Results

�e annual ACT report on college readiness is always pored over abundantly. Not all students who intend to go to college take the ACT, of course, which complicates any attempt to generalize.

Here in Texas, according to the report, 109,841 of the state’s graduates, an estimated 37 percent of the 2013 graduating class, took the ACT. From 2009–2013, the number of ACT test-taking graduates has increased by 32.9 percent, while the number of graduates has increased by 6.6 percent.

When you examine the charts in the Texas portion of the report, you discover possible trends that can either be celebrated or bemoaned, depending upon one’s perspective.

Most importantly, from 2009-2013, there appears to be progress in math and, most notably, science. English skills, especially reading, have declined slightly, however. Texas now matches the nationwide figure of 26 percent of students who are college ready in all four subjects that are examined.

It’s a safe bet that students who are fully ready are more likely to attend universities instead of community colleges, which means two-year schools will enroll a much lower percentage of strong students.

Authorities in the field point out that, when you add significant numbers of test-takers, overall scores tend to decline.

Violence Plans NeededEven though universities tend to get more media

attention, last year’s tragic events illustrated the need for contingency plans at community colleges if violence, or potential violence, occurs on campus.

Two-year schools are more likely to use leased space, such as small branch campuses, high schools, and shopping centers, making security arrangements especially problematic. Resources to provide security at all sites may also be inadequate.

8 TCCTA Messenger

For more information on

important events at the

State Capitol, please visit

the Blog feature

of the TCCTA Web site.

Success Points Enter Funding Calculations

A matter of great concern to two-year college faculty members is the plan by lawmakers to implement a regimen of outcomes-based funding. Absent a seismic change in future Sessions, the new policy represents the paradigm of the future.

So far the amount of revenue at stake is (eventually) ten percent of the instructional formula, based at present completely on prior enrollments and associated program costs.

�e appropriations bill passed by the Legislature contains a broad outline for outcomes-based funding for higher education, to be phased in over several years.

The first step is intended to establish a baseline for subsequent distribution of revenue. Schools and the Coordinating Board “shall jointly develop recommendations for an allocation system for student success points for the 2016-17 biennium,” according to the bill.

Metrics developed previously by the Texas Association of Community Colleges were adopted in the measure. Ten percent of funding for fiscal years 2016-17 will be allocated according to stipulated thresholds of student achievement. Language appended to the bill explicitly refers to an intent to create a funding mechanism that allows colleges to compete against themselves, rather than each other.

�e ten percent is to be allocated based on each college’s points earned from a three-year average of student completion of these metrics, according to a TACC update posted online, dated August 8, called Snapshot 1.2:

Definitions of Student Success Points

Complete Developmental Work Only students who are not ready in math, reading,

and/or writing as first time undergraduates can potentially qualify for student success points in this category. �e time period for completing developmental work is the fiscal year being measured and the two previous years (three years total). If a student successfully completes developmental work in the fiscal year being measured, then one point is awarded for math completion, .5 point for reading completion, and .5 point for writing completion.

First College Course for Credit

If a student successfully completes the first college level math, reading, and/or writing course with a letter grade of “A-B-or C” in the fiscal year measured, then one point is awarded for completion of the math course, .5 point for completion of the reading course, and .5 point for completion of the writing course.

Complete 15/30 Semester Credit Hours

If a student successfully completes at least 15 semester credit hours and/or 30 semester credit hours at the same institution during the fiscal year being measured, then one point is awarded for completion of 15 hours and one point is awarded for completion of 30 hours. �e time period for this measure is the fiscal year being measured and the three previous years (four years total).

Earn a Degree or Certificate

If a student earns a Bachelor’s of Applied Technology (BAT), an Associate’s degree, a Level 1 or Level 2 Certificate, an Advanced Technology Certificate or completes the Core Curriculum during the fiscal year being measured, then two points are awarded (note: unduplicated degrees awarded). If a student completes a degree or certificate in a STEM or allied health major, an additional .25 point is awarded.

Transfer to University with 15 semester credit hours

If a student has successfully completed at least 15 semester credit hours at the same institution and a record is found by the Coordinating Board at a Texas public/private four institution in the fiscal year being measured, then two points are awarded. �e time period for this measure is the fiscal year being measured and the three previous years (four years total).

How does the Student Success Points Model work?

As implied in the definitions above, student success points are calculated each fiscal year by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and an individual student can earn multiple points for a college. For example, if a student successfully completes developmental math (1 point) and also successfully completes the first college level course (1 point) during the fiscal year being measured, then the college is awarded two points for that student. If a student earned an Associate’s degree (2 points) and transferred to a university (2 points) during the fiscal year being measured, then the college is awarded four points for that student. To account for the fluctuations in student success points from year to year, the 3-year average was adopted by the 83rd Texas Legislature as the basis for appropriating student success funds for the 2014-15 biennium.

One question asked frequently by teachers is how the points will translate into dollars. �e information provided below is taken from a TACC report posted in July.

• �e Student Success appropriation for the 2014-15 biennium is $172 million (ten percent of the instructional funds appropriated to community colleges after first deducting the core amount).

• �e distribution of the 2014-15 Student Success appropriation is based on the three year average (FY 10-11-12) of student success points for each college district. �e appropriation was determined by taking the total amount appropriated for student success points ($172 million) and dividing by the total number of student success points (929,188) to derive a dollar amount per point ($185). �e funding for each college district was determined by multiplying the number of points for each institution by $185.

• The student success points model recognizes student achievement along a continuum from successful completion of college readiness courses to intermediate success measures (e.g., passing the first college math course) to successful outcome metrics (e.g., degree awarded or transfer to university).

• �e 2014-15 Student Success appropriation should be viewed as a starting point for incorporating performance funding into the community college instructional appropriation.

September 2013 9

New Law Places Capon Semester Hours

SB 497, a bill with lasting effects, passed both chambers of the Legislature. �e new statute will place a cap on the number of semester hours required for an associates degree to the number stipulated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools “or its successor,” unless the institution determines there is a “compelling academic reason.”

�is bill stems from a similar cap placed in a previous Regular Session on undergraduate programs at general academic institutions. Universities complained that many of their programs were hindered if they were also complelled to accept a large number of transfers.

�e likely impact will depend upon institution and major. One might surmise that smaller schools would feel a reduction in required courses more acutely. Presumably students would still be allowed to take courses beyond the associates degree, but successful transfer would depend upon the receiving institution. Many courses now transfer as elective credit only, often to the disappointment of students.

From a Coordinating Board recommendation from October 2012: “�e effective limit for most associate’s degrees would be 60 semester credit hours under this provision.” �e SACS Principles of Accreditation cites 60 hours as a minimum: “�e institution offers one or more degree programs based on at least 60 semester credit hours or the equivalent at the associate level.”

Repeal of Social Security Provisions Proving Difficult

�ere is perennial frustration among those wishing to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset—provisions of federal law potentially affecting TCCTA members who plan to retire from schools that do not participate in the Social Security system. Efforts to change the statutes have been unproductive during the last several sessions of Congress.

Bills have been introduced peerenially to change both provisions. One prominent measure is is known as the Social Security Fairness Act.

[IMPORTANT: It is difficult to generalize about the potential impact of reform provisions, as it depends upon individual work history. Background information is available on the TCCTA Web site. Please visit www.tccta.org/legis/social-security.html.]

Many observers have labeled total repeal a “budget buster,” at a time when the federal deficit is a matter of intense debate in Congtress. �en there is the politi-cal reality that the WEP and GPO affect government employees primarily in a minority of states where “non-participation” was allowed many years ago. (Of course, there are retirees in all states.)

But the most frustrating source of concern lately involves the frequent observation that the number of co-sponsors of repeal legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is greater than the number needed for passage. A plausible (if less than satisfying) explanation comes from commentators nationwide who state fre-quently that members of Congress find it much easier politically to sign on to an introduced bill rather than cast a record vote for the final result.

Background information

is available on the

TCCTA Web site. Please

visit www.tccta.org/legis/

social-security.html.

Proportionality Debate Heads for Extinction

A compromise worked out between community college leaders and legislative budget writers, regarding the state’s obligation to fund health and retirement benefits for two-year college educators, has become law.

Starting with the next biennium (2014-15)—absent any legislative changes in future Sessions—the state will provide 50 percent of the funds necessary to cover the cost of retirement and health benefits.

College leaders expressed relief that the perennial debate over “proportionality” can be put to rest, allowing schools and policy makers to focus on other issues more directly related to the educational mission of community colleges in Texas.

ORP Contribution Rates Set to Increase

Participants in the Optional Retirement Program will get a boost from employers, starting in the next biennium. �e employer share is set for 6.6 percent for 2014-15, an increase from the previous rate of 6.0 percent. Due to the agreement reached between schools and lawmakers (see above), this means the state share is 3.3 percent, and the community college share is 3.3 percent.

TRS Reform Bill Makes Important Changes

A bill designed to shore up the massive TRS pension fund to achieve long-term health has been enacted. Contribution rates are set to rise gradually for employers and employees.

Importantly, vested members of TRS (those with five years of service) are exempted from prospective restrictions regarding early retirement. Individuals are urged to examine the August 2013 edition of TRS News, which was distributed recently. A summary document explaining the changes is also available on the TRS Web site, at www.trs.state.tx.us.

Guns-On-Campus Bills Fail to Pass in 2013 Session

Bills that would have allowed licensed carriers of handguns to bring their weapons into campus buildings failed to pass as the Regular Session adjourned in May. During three subsequent Special Sessions over the summer, Gov. Perry did not extend the agenda to consider such legislation, much to the disappointment of advocates around the state.

TCCTA has asked consistently that, if changes are to be made in current law, institutions be allowed to decide for themselves whether to allow concealed weapons in campus facilities.

One bill did make it through both chambers: HB 1907, which forbids institutions from prohibiting students from keeping weapons and ammunition in locked vehicles while on campus. Current law grants such privileges to employees.

This issue is extremely likely to return in future Regular Sessions.

10 TCCTA Messenger

— 2014 Convention Preview —Biology Section Plans

Tour of San Antonio Zoo�e TCCTA Biology Section has arranged for a spe-

cial tour of the highly recognized San Antonio Zoo, on Friday, Feb. 7, during the annual convention. �e tour includes a special presentation of “Africa Live!” with an added opportunity for interested persons to observe a training session with Hippos.

�e event will begin at 11:30 a.m., when attendees depart from the lobby of convention headquarters, the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel. Participants will return at 5:30 p.m. Transportation will be provided.

A $50.00 fee must be paid in advance by each par-ticipant to cover transportation, one meal, and the cost of the guided tour. All registered TCCTA members and their guests are invited to take part. A minimum age of eight is required for guests.

�e San Antonio Zoo plans to set up a Web site during September for reservations and direct payment. Choice of meal for each participant must be stipulated when reservations are made. �e link will be posted at www.tccta.org/events/convention2014/programs.

Questions should be directed to TCCTA Biology Section Chair Marilyn Kish Molina, College of the Mainland, at MKMolina@com.edu or 713-598-5068.

All programs,

including updates,

will be posted online.

www.tccta.org/

convention.

Section ProgramsAppeal to Each Discipline

Over 100 discipline-specific section programs are planned for the 2014 annual convention in San Antonio. In the past, sessions have included presentations by prize-winning authors, noted authorities, and experts in the latest educational advances to enhance student learning.

For colleges seeking to allow faculty members the opportunity for professional development in their fields, the TCCTA convention offers more programs at a frac-tion of the cost of national disciplinary organizations. In these budget-conscious times, such savings should not be ignored.

“Many people ask how we can offer such fantastic programs with such low registration fees,” says TCCTA executive director Richard Moore. “�e reason is because of our network of sponsors and, most especially, the volunteer Section Chairs from campuses all over Texas.”

Exhibit Hall to Open Thursday�e Exhibit Hall offers products and services by text-

book and technology companies from all over the nation. In 2014, the area will open on �ursday, Feb. 6, at 2:00, and close Friday, Feb. 7, at 6:00. And don’t forget the Raffle, with valuable prizes, Friday, at 5:45!

Nearby Attractions

Scenic Riverwalk

Historic Alamo

Rivercenter Mall

DINING

Morton’s of Chicago

Cactus Flower

Biga on the Banks

Paesanos Riverwalk

Bohanan’s

County Line Barbecue

Hard Rock Cafe

Mi Tierra

La Margarita

Rain Forest Cafe

Texas Roadhouse

Landry’s Seafood

…and more!

The 2014 TCCTA convention, February 6-8, will be held at the Marriott Rivercent-er Hotel in San Antonio! IMPORTANT: Please note the earlier schedule than is customary for the annual convention. The shift is due to the extraordinary popularity of this venue for national conferences.

Located on the beautiful Riverwalk, the hotel is a magnificent 38-story building conveniently located just steps away from many popular attractions, including the historic Alamo and shopping at the massive Rivercenter Mall, which is directly adjacent to the hotel.

Also, never mind uncertain winter weather for convention meetings and shopping: Unless you wish, you’ll never have to go outside!

Visit “Events” at www.tccta.org for maps, a completelist of restaurants, stores, and other attractions.

Join Us in San Antonio!

September 2013 11

TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION67th Annual Convention

The Marriott Rivercenter Hotel — San Antonio, Texas — February 6-8, 2014HOTEL RESERVATION FORM

Arrival Date: Feb. ____, 2014 Departure Date: Feb. ____, 2014(Hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.; check-out time is 12:00 Noon.)

Reservations must be guaranteed by approved credit card or advance payment of one day’s lodging. Guaranteed reservations not cancelled by 3:00 p.m. on the day prior to arrival will be subject to deposit forfeiture or first night’s charge to credit card.

■ Hold room on a guaranteed basis with the following credit card:

Credit Card ______________________ Number ______________________________________ Expiration Date ___________

Signature _______________________________________________IMPORTANT INFORMATION: �e Marriott Rivercenter Hotel is unable to grant individuals direct billing for room or incidental accounts. �e hotel accepts all major credit cards. In the absence of an approved credit card, the hotel requests payment by cash, money order, cashier’s, institutional, or traveler’s checks. All checks should be made out to �e Marriott Rivercenter Hotel. Credit information will be required at time of check-in.

Confirm reservations to: Name _______________________________________________ Phone A/C ______ – _____________________

School or Company ___________________________________________________ E-Mail ______________________________________

Address _______________________________________ City ________________________________ State _________ ZIP ____________

ROOM(S) WILL BE OCCUPIED BY: Name (please print) Address City/State/ZIP Code

Make Hotel Reservations Now!TCCTA members planning to attend the

2014 annual convention are encouraged to reserve hotel accommodations early. A block of rooms has been reserved, but it is likely that members who wait until the last minute to make reservations will be disappointed. With the exception of a few special functions, all convention activities will be held at the headquarters hotel.

In addition to secure online reservations on the TCCTA Web site, accommodations may be reserved by completing the form below and mailing it to the hotel, by fax, at 210-223-6239, or by phone, at 800-648-4462; in San Antonio, at 210-223-1000. Reservations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations will be subject to availability.

Forms and inquiries regarding reservations should not be directed to the TCCTA state office, as all housing arrangements are under the control of the hotel.

Please reserve _______ room(s) of the type(s) checked below:

Check accommodations desired: Rate____ Single Room (One person) ............................................................... $155.00____ Double Room (Two persons) ............................................................ $155.00____ Triple Room (�ree persons) ............................................................. $155.00____ Quad Room (Four persons) .............................................................. $155.00

MAIL TO: Marriott Rivercenter—101 Bowie Street—San Antonio, Texas 78205OR PHONE: (210) 223-1000 OR FAX: (210) 223-6239

RESERVATION CUT-OFF DATE: January 15, 2014

Use the form below or make secure hotel reservations online. Click on “Events” at www.tccta.org.

THURSDAY—FEBRUARY 6, 2014

7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Special Meetings (to be announced)12:00 Noon–6:00 p.m. Convention Registration 1:30– 3:30 p.m. Committee Meetings, as called by Chairs 2:00–6:30 p.m. Exhibits Open 4:00– 5:00 p.m. Meeting of Executive Committee and Chairs 6:30 p.m. Banquet (tickets required) 7:15 p.m. General Session

FRIDAY—FEBRUARY 7, 2014 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Convention Registration 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Exhibits Open 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Election of Officers 8:00– 9:15 p.m. Financial Planning Seminar 8:00– 9:15 a.m. Great Ideas For Teaching Students (GIFTS)

Tentative Convention Schedule Released(Program details will be posted as they become available under “Events” at www.tccta.org.)

9:30– 11:00 a.m. Section Meetings for Some Sections 11:15–12:45 p.m. Remaining Section Meetings 1:00– 2:15 p.m. Professional Development Seminar 2:30–5:15 p.m. Technology and Student Success Seminars 5:30 p.m. Refreshments, Entertainment, and Raffle

SATURDAY—FEBRUARY 8, 2014 8:00–11:30 a.m. Convention Registration 8:00–11:30 a.m. Book Blitz 8:00–9:15 Financial Planning Seminar 9:00–10:15 a.m. Section Meetings for Some Sections10:30–11:45 a.m. Remaining Section Meetings11:45 a.m. Adjournment12:00 Noon–3:00 p.m. Special Meetings (to be announced)

12 TCCTA Messenger

A Special InvitationPlease send in the completed form below, or give to your Campus Representative. You may also join online securely at www.tccta.org.

TEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHERS ASSOCIATIONMembership Enrollment FormDr.

Mr.Mrs.MissMs. Middle Name or InitialFirst Name

(If more than one campus, indicate your campus.)CollegePreferred Mailing Address:

Street Address or Post Office Box

City State ZIP Code

Instructional (Subject taught: ) Administrative/Library/Media (Position: ) Classified/Retired/Adjunct (Specify: ) Unaffiliated/Student (Specify: )

Last Name

CHECK HERE to receive the TCCTA Messenger and subscribe to the TCCTA Blog at no additional charge.

ENROLL ONLINE SECURELY at www.tccta.org.IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD USING THIS FORM: Visa MasterCardName on Credit CardBilling Address Account Number Expires / CVV (3 digit code) Amount $

If you wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to TCCTA’s foundation, please send separate check, payable to the Foundation for Professional Excel-lence in the Community College.

IF PAYING BY CHECK: Give enrollment form and check (payable to TCCTA) to your campus representative or mail to: TCCTA, 5113 Southwest Parkway, Suite 185, Austin, Texas 78735.

E-MAIL (IMPORTANT!):

Membership Period: September 1, 2013–August 31, 2014.

AUTOMATIC RENEWAL: Check here to authorize TCCTA to bill your credit card directly each year at the annual membership rate.

CHECK HERE TO PURCHASE OPTIONAL LIABILITY IN SUR ANCE PROGRAM, AND ADD $50 TO THE AMOUNT OF YOUR PAYMENT. Members must purchase insurance to receive TCCTA legal assistance. Insurance rate: $26. State surplus lines tax @ 4.85%: $1.26; State stamping fee @ 0.06%: $0.02; Association administrative fee: $22.72. Coverage is on a reimbursement basis; certain coverage is contingent upon the outcome of the case. See Summary of Coverage for more information.

CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FOUR CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP:PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP (Full-time educator at a Texas community or technical

col lege)—Dues $45ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (Classified employee, retired, or adjunct (part-time) educator at a Texas

community or technical college)—Dues $35 (Retiree may join as Professional or Associate Member.)STUDENT MEMBERSHIP (Graduate student in community col lege education)—Dues $30UNAFFILIATED MEMBERSHIP (Friend of the Association not eligible for one of the foregoing

types of membership)—Dues $35

TCCTATEXAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

5113 Southwest Parkway, Suite 185Austin, Texas 78735

PERIODICAL