Testimony: Texas can lead on college and career readiness
Policy Advisor Gabe Grantham prepared the following testimony on how Texas can be a national leader on college and career readiness for the May 8, 2025, public hearing on CSHB 120 in the Senate Education K-16 Committee.
My name is Gabe Grantham, Education Policy Advisor for Texas 2036. Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of CSHB 120.
Before joining Texas 2036, I was a high school teacher. I saw every day how students need to see the connection between their learning and their future careers. That’s why this bill matters. This bill has the potential to make Texas a national leader by creating the model for how states drive college and career readiness.
This legislation represents a major step forward — especially for rural communities whose economic futures depend on stronger ties between education and workforce opportunity.
Texas has nearly 900,000 rural K-12 students — more than any other state. CSHB 120 expands proven models like the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP), which allow small, rural districts to pool resources and deliver career-aligned education. In the first few years of its founding, students in the Rural Schools Innovation Zone — the model for R-PEPs — have increased industry-based credential attainment from 2.7% to 58.4%. Similarly, P-TECH students — another model strengthened by this bill — are far more likely to graduate with college credit or a credential of value.
CSHB 120 also strengthens Texas’ statewide education goals by adding two key benchmarks: that high school graduates should be workforce-ready with a credential, and that students pursuing college should be prepared without the need for remediation. These goals modernize our education system and better align it with Texas’ economic priorities.
Importantly, the bill builds infrastructure to achieve these ambitions. It directs TEA to publish disaggregated postsecondary outcomes data and requires districts to set annual, measurable goals for success. These provisions help educators make informed decisions, empower communities with transparency, and keep the focus on student outcomes.
Like I said at the beginning, this bill matters. It supports rural success, gives local leaders better tools, and strengthens the pipeline to meet Texas’ growing workforce needs.
I respectfully urge your support and am happy to answer any questions.