Advisory board flags falling written pass rates; TDLR will send teams to observe schools

Board members pressed TDLR staff about a sustained decline in written exam pass rates for barbering and cosmetology. "If you look at all four quarters, it looks like our pass rate is continually dropping... at 33% over a whole year, I have some concerns about that," said a board member querying Ray Pizarro and John Schildwachter.

Ray Pizarro said test administration slowed while SHEARS was unavailable and that staff recently sent more than 300 eligibilities for Class A barber testing to vendor PSI, which could affect short‑term percentages. He described a three‑person TDLR team that will visit schools to observe curriculum delivery, provide on‑site, non‑punitive feedback, and work with providers to identify whether curriculum, hours reductions, or delivery differences between private and public programs correlate with test performance.

Mary Paschal Lindsey, the presiding officer, and other board members said reduced student‑hour requirements make classroom pacing harder and may reduce study time for students. John Schildwachter noted that historically written assessments show more fluctuation than practical exams and said the Education & Examination Division will follow up with education providers and subject‑matter experts to determine causes.

On continuing education, Ray told the board CE approvals are one‑year and that TDLR has begun auditing CE providers; CE for Class A barbers is scheduled to be required in 2025 after SHEARS stabilizes. Board members suggested CE vendors be required to update content promptly when rules change; Ray said he would consult general counsel about processes to require more immediate updates.

TDLR said it will report findings from school visits and provider outreach at future advisory meetings and encouraged school owners and instructors to request a site visit via the agency's education page.