Texas College Bridge

Texas College Bridge offers personalised, online courses in English and mathematics to prepare students for college and postsecondary education.

Academic staff

500 - 1000

Locations

Operated virtually

Established

2020

Afiliations

The Commit Partnership, The NROC Project, and over 100 partnering colleges and universities in Texas

Address

Operated virtually

Social Media

URL

https://texascollegebridge.org/

Summary

Texas College Bridge (TCB) was launched in 2020 to address college preparedness needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was designed to support 11th and 12th-grade students in preparing for college when standard tests like SAT, ACT, and TSIA were disrupted. Since its inception, over 600 school districts in Texas have used TCB, leading to more than 375,000 course completions and helping many at-risk students become college-ready.

TCB is a collaborative effort by The Commit Partnership, The NROC Project (developer of the EdReady platform), and other partners. It focuses on improving college readiness and postsecondary outcomes for students across Texas. The program offers adaptive, online courses in English and mathematics, allowing students to work at their own pace with the guidance of a teacher facilitator.

The courses follow PEIMS-assigned names and numbers, allowing successful students to earn credit for college preparatory courses and meet CCMR (College, Career, and Military Readiness) benchmarks for accountability. Students completing the program can also qualify for TSI (Texas Success Initiative) exemptions at over 100 participating colleges and universities in Texas.

TCB provides training and resources for district coordinators and teachers, including video tutorials, implementation guides, and professional learning communities (PLCs). Teachers have access to a data-rich dashboard to monitor student progress, identify areas needing intervention, and provide targeted support.

Districts benefit from a turn-key program that meets HB 5 requirements for college prep courses, supports A-F accountability, and offers flexible delivery formats. Additionally, colleges and universities benefit from receiving students who are prepared to enrol directly in entry-level courses.

The program is supported by live help office hours, training materials, and marketing toolkits to ensure effective implementation. It aims to help students achieve academic success and prepare for life after high school.

History

The Texas College Bridge (TCB) program was launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional college preparedness pathways. The program was initiated to support Texas school districts in addressing the needs of 11th and 12th-grade students, particularly as the administration of standardised tests such as the SAT, ACT, and TSIA was temporarily paused. The primary goal was to provide an alternative method for students to become college-ready, especially those who were at risk of falling behind.

The program began as a collaboration between two nonprofit organisations: The Commit Partnership and The NROC Project. The Commit Partnership focuses on educational equity and improved outcomes for students, while The NROC Project is the developer of EdReady, the adaptive learning platform used for the TCB program. Together, they designed a flexible, online curriculum in English and mathematics to prepare students for college at their own pace. The courses were aligned with Texas education standards, ensuring compatibility with the state's College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) framework.

Since its launch, TCB has been adopted by over 600 Texas school districts. By 2023, the program facilitated more than 375,000 course completions. Its approach enabled students to earn TSI (Texas Success Initiative) exemptions, which allow direct entry into college-level courses without additional remedial requirements. Over 100 higher education institutions across Texas recognised the TCB courses for TSI exemption purposes.

In addition to offering courses, TCB provides extensive support for school districts, teachers, and students. Training resources, professional learning communities (PLCs), and a data-rich dashboard help teachers monitor progress and provide timely interventions. Districts benefit from implementation guides, live help office hours, and marketing toolkits to ensure effective use of the program.

Currently, TCB continues to focus on improving college readiness for Texas students. Its adaptive learning model and collaborative efforts aim to ensure students are academically prepared for postsecondary education and equipped with essential skills for their future. The program remains a vital resource for bridging gaps in education and supporting equitable outcomes across the state.

Courses

The Texas College Bridge (TCB) program offers personalised, self-paced online courses in English and Mathematics. These courses are designed for 11th and 12th-grade students to strengthen their academic skills and prepare them for postsecondary education. The courses align with the College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) benchmarks and comply with Texas educational standards. They also fulfil the requirements for HB 5 college preparatory courses, making them an essential resource for districts across the state.

Course Structure and Delivery

Both the English and Mathematics courses are delivered through the EdReady platform, an adaptive learning system developed by The NROC Project. The platform uses a personalised approach to learning, where students begin with a knowledge inventory. This inventory assesses their current skill levels and identifies the areas where they need improvement. Based on the results, each student is provided with an individualised study path, ensuring they focus on skills they need to develop while skipping the content they have already mastered.

Students progress through the courses at their own pace with the support of a teacher facilitator. Facilitators play a key role in monitoring progress, offering guidance, and providing interventions when required. This structure ensures that each student receives the support needed to achieve success.

English Course

The English course focuses on improving reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills. It includes modules on grammar, sentence structure, essay writing, and the analysis of various types of texts. One of the key components is an essay assignment, which is required for course completion. The assignment helps students practise academic writing and develop skills that are essential for success in college-level English courses.

Students who complete the English course successfully meet the CCMR benchmark in English. They can also use the course completion to qualify for a TSI (Texas Success Initiative) exemption at more than 100 colleges and universities across Texas.

Mathematics Course

The Mathematics course is designed to build foundational skills and prepare students for college-level maths. It covers topics such as algebra, geometry, data analysis, and mathematical reasoning. The course includes practice exercises, quizzes, and assessments to ensure mastery of each topic.

Similar to the English course, the Mathematics course provides a personalised study path tailored to the student’s needs. Upon successful completion, students meet the CCMR benchmark in mathematics and can use the course completion to qualify for a TSI exemption in the subject.

Additional Features

Both courses are aligned with PEIMS-assigned course names and numbers, allowing students to earn credit for the college preparatory courses. The courses also include regular progress checks, ensuring students stay on track.

The program provides a data-rich dashboard for facilitators to monitor student performance and identify areas that require additional support. Students can also view their progress, helping them stay motivated and focused on their goals.

Current Status

The TCB courses have been successfully implemented in over 600 districts across Texas, with more than 375,000 course completions to date. These courses continue to play a vital role in preparing students for college and ensuring they meet the required academic standards for postsecondary success.

Job integration rate

The Texas College Bridge (TCB) program has demonstrated success in supporting students’ transition from education to further opportunities. Since its inception, the program has facilitated the academic preparedness of thousands of students, leading to improved college and career readiness. While specific job placement data is not directly tracked, TCB plays a crucial role in equipping students with the skills needed for postsecondary success. With over 375,000 course completions and TSI exemptions recognised by more than 100 colleges, the program significantly increases students’ chances of securing career pathways through higher education or vocational training.

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