S.740 - Affordable College Textbook Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Affordable College Textbook Act aims to reduce the financial burden of college textbooks on students by expanding the use of open educational resources (OER). It establishes a grant program to support the creation and adoption of open textbooks and improve textbook price transparency. The Act also mandates reporting requirements to assess the effectiveness of OER and their impact on student learning outcomes.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to decrease the cost of higher education for students by promoting the use of free or low-cost open textbooks. This could lead to increased access to education and improved student outcomes. The increased transparency in textbook pricing will empower students to make informed decisions about their educational expenses.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced cost of college textbooks for students, potentially saving them significant money.
- Increased access to educational materials, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds.
- Improved transparency in textbook pricing, allowing students to make informed choices.
- Encouragement of innovative teaching methods and the development of high-quality open educational resources.
- Potential for improved student learning outcomes through the use of adaptable and accessible learning materials.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on institutions of higher education to manage the grant program and track OER usage.
- Concerns about the quality and accuracy of open textbooks compared to traditional textbooks.
- Possible resistance from faculty members who prefer traditional textbooks or are unfamiliar with OER.
- The need for ongoing funding to sustain the open textbook grant program and ensure the continued availability of OER.
- Potential for digital divide issues if students lack reliable internet access or devices to access digital open textbooks.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting access to education and reducing financial barriers for students. Congress has the power to tax and spend for the general welfare, which includes funding educational programs. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).