Survey data from faculty and students are often used to support decision-making and to assess strategic program efforts in higher education. However, OER-related data, such as adoption, awareness, and more, are often missing from such decisions because they are difficult to find or even gather, partly because of their open license status. For regional and state-based organizations, the most powerful and persuasive data are those that directly represent their students. The Data: State-level survey results are drawn from an analysis of the annual national survey conducted by Bay View Analytics. This survey has provided results on OER awareness and adoption in higher education since 2014. Texas-specific faculty results were compared with national levels and with those of other large states, such as California and Florida, to provide further context for the numbers. The Action: The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) serves as a resource, partner, and advocate for Texas higher education, working directly with institutions and the state legislature. OER is an important component of the state’s strategic plan for higher education, which supports access to affordable, attainable credentials. THECB values quantitative research to guide its approaches and inform its actions. This presentation will review national and Texas-specific results on OER awareness and adoption and how these results have been used by THECB in recent years.
