Texas College Bridge offers personalised, self-paced online courses in, designed for 11th and 12th-grade students, this online platform in English and Maths helps learners close skill gaps, earn TSI exemptions, and access over 100 Texas universities—setting them up for postsecondary success. Explore how it supports teachers, districts, and students across the state.
There has been a growing emphasis on personalising education to meet individual student needs and improve academic outcomes. Standardised instruction often falls short in preparing all students equally for the demands of postsecondary education. The Texas College Bridge (TCB) programme offers a distinctive solution by providing adaptive, self-paced, and teacher-facilitated online courses in Mathematics and English.
Texas College Bridge was launched in 2020 in response to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, traditional college preparedness pathways, including standardised assessments such as the SAT, ACT, and TSIA, were temporarily paused. The programme was designed to ensure that 11th and 12th-grade students could continue progressing towards college readiness despite these setbacks.
Developed by The Commit Partnership and The NROC Project—the creators of the EdReady platform—Texas College Bridge focuses on closing educational gaps and supporting students through a personalised learning model. The goal was to ensure that learners who may not have performed well on standard tests still had an opportunity to prove their readiness through mastery-based, targeted coursework.
Personalised learning through the EdReady platform
The foundation of personalisation in Texas College Bridge lies in its use of the EdReady platform, a digital tool that adapts to each student’s learning needs. The process begins with a knowledge inventory, which assesses the student’s current understanding of English or Mathematics. Based on this assessment, EdReady develops a tailored study path unique to each learner.
This method ensures that students do not spend time on topics they have already mastered. Instead, they can concentrate on areas that require further development. This approach reduces repetition, increases engagement, and allows learners to make progress at a pace that suits their individual learning style and circumstances.
The programme’s structure enables students to:
- Understand their strengths and weaknesses early in the course.
- Receive content that directly addresses their learning needs.
- Set achievable goals and monitor progress toward those goals.
- Learn independently, with facilitator guidance available as required.
Customised instruction in english and mathematics
- English course
The English course is structured around reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and critical analysis. After completing the knowledge inventory, students receive a personalised learning plan that guides them through modules aligned with their specific needs. One key feature is the inclusion of an essay assignment, which all students must complete. This task helps develop writing proficiency, logical structuring, and analytical thinking—skills required for success in college-level English.
The course structure allows for flexibility. Some students may need to reinforce grammar skills, while others may focus more on essay composition or reading strategies. The personalised path ensures time is used efficiently to improve academic readiness.
- Mathematics course
The Mathematics course is similarly designed to identify and address individual skill gaps. It covers key topics such as algebra, geometry, number operations, data analysis, and reasoning. The initial assessment determines which areas the student has already mastered and which require further study.
This approach enables students to build upon their existing knowledge base. Learners who need to revisit foundational concepts can do so, while those ready for more advanced material can proceed without delay. The self-paced model reduces pressure and allows for deeper learning.
The role of teachers in personalised learning
Though the Texas College Bridge courses are self-paced, they are not self-guided. Teachers play a critical role in personalising the educational experience further. They serve as facilitators who provide oversight, feedback, and targeted support throughout the learning process.
Each teacher has access to a data-rich dashboard that allows them to:
- Track student progress in real time.
- Identify which skills students have mastered and where they are struggling.
- Intervene with additional resources or support when required.
- Communicate with students through virtual meetings, messages, and check-ins.
Supporting student autonomy and motivation
Personalised education is most effective when students are given ownership over their learning. Texas College Bridge fosters this autonomy by allowing students to:
- Choose when and where to work through the online platform.
- Set their own pace, reducing the stress often associated with rigid deadlines.
- View their own progress and identify areas for self-improvement.
The transparency of the platform’s progress reports gives students insight into their development, increasing motivation and responsibility. Additionally, students are provided with access to college and career resources, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future.
A notable feature is the ability to share proof of course completion with colleges and universities using blockchain technology. This offers a secure and accessible way to document academic readiness, especially for students applying to multiple institutions.
Personalised pathways to college entry
One of the most significant benefits of the Texas College Bridge programme is that it creates personalised pathways to higher education. Upon successful completion of the English and/or Mathematics courses, students can qualify for a Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exemption. This exemption allows them to bypass additional testing and enter directly into entry-level college courses.
More than 100 colleges and universities across Texas accept TCB course completion for TSI exemption. This recognition provides an accessible route to postsecondary education for students who may not have met traditional entry criteria. It also helps colleges receive students who are better prepared and more likely to succeed.
Personalisation across stakeholders
- For students: Students benefit from individualised content, self-paced study, and the ability to demonstrate readiness in a practical manner. They also gain access to postsecondary planning resources, including training in how to apply to universities and explore career options.
- For teachers: Texas College Bridge provides teachers with tools to tailor their support for each student. The platform’s dashboard allows educators to group students based on skill level, prioritise interventions, and ensure learning objectives are met. Teachers are also supported through training sessions and professional learning communities.
- For districts: Districts have flexibility in how they deliver the courses, either as stand-alone classes or integrated into existing school schedules. The programme satisfies state requirements, including the HB 5 college preparatory course requirement and contributes to CCMR accountability. It also ensures consistent instruction across schools and student populations.
- For higher education institutions: Colleges benefit from enrolling students who are better prepared for academic success. The use of a standardised curriculum, approved and reviewed for alignment with TSI standards, ensures that institutions receive students with a verified level of readiness.
Training and Implementation Support
To ensure successful delivery and effective personalisation, Texas College Bridge offers various forms of support:
- Video Tutorials and EdReady Guides: Helping both students and teachers navigate the system.
- Teacher Training and District Support: Providing workshops and implementation guides.
- Professional Learning Communities: Offering space for educators to collaborate, exchange best practices, and solve challenges collectively.
- Help Centre and Office Hours: Giving real-time assistance with course delivery and technical issues.
Evidence of effectiveness
Since its launch, Texas College Bridge has demonstrated its impact:
- Over 600 school districts in Texas have used the programme.
- More than 375,000 course completions have taken place.
- Thousands of students who may not have pursued college have qualified for postsecondary education.
- Students using the programme consistently meet the CCMR benchmark, supporting state accountability goals.
Expanding access and inclusion
The programme’s personalised learning model helps address inequities in education by supporting students from diverse academic and social backgrounds. Whether a student is behind due to past learning gaps or ahead and looking to fast-track their preparation, Texas College Bridge adjusts accordingly.
This flexibility ensures that all students, regardless of starting point, have the opportunity to succeed. It also assists in reaching underserved populations who may not have had access to traditional test preparation or tutoring services.
Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.
