The Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) met by videoconference on October 4, 2021.  ESAC Chair Kelea Youngblood opened the meeting by honoring the life and accomplishments of ESAC member and long-time license holder, Lynda Conway. Ruben Pena was welcomed back to the committee in her place. 

The committee considered recently proposed changes to Commission rule 535.92 regarding continuing education (CE) requirements, which removes language specific to professional designations.  Under these proposed revisions, courses taken to earn a professional designation may still be accepted for CE credit if submitted through the traditional method of provider and course pre-approval.  There were no comments received on this agenda item, and the committee moved to recommend adoption at the November Commission meeting. 

ESAC opened a discussion regarding impacts the pandemic has had on course delivery mechanisms.  Committee members discussed the need to stay ahead of opportunities for growth in the industry and to continue to be inclusive of emerging technologies in course delivery.  While no changes to TREC’s definitions of delivery methods were suggested at this time, the committee will continue to explore this topic and consider future recommendations if deemed appropriate. 

Lastly, ESAC considered instructor qualifications defined in 535.65 and 535.75 of Commission rules.  Staff reported that initial administrative audits of qualifying education providers indicate that providers are following TREC guidelines when considering instructor qualifications.  These findings are based on an initial review of 35% of approved qualifying education providers.  Staff also reported that administrative audits of CE providers are anticipated to commence in mid-2022. 

As the year comes to a close, the two-year service term for several ESAC members will also end.  As always, the Commission is very grateful for their service to Texas consumers and stakeholders.  New members will be appointed at the November Commission meeting.  Stay tuned!