To The Educator Addressed:
One of the important pieces of legislation passed by the 76th Legislature was Senate Bill 510. This Bill, now codified in the Texas Education Code, Section 28.026, will impact some students and relates to the notification of automatic college admission to students graduating in the top ten percent (10%) of their class.
Senate Bill 510 states that the board of trustees require each high school in the district to post appropriate signs in each counselor's office, principal's office, and in each administrative building in order to notify students of the substance of TEC § 51.803 (the top 10% automatic admission to a Texas public university). This can be achieved through posters or other appropriate notices that are placed in a visible location to all students. These posters, or other appropriate notices, should include information contained in the TEC § 51.803. Posters relating to this automatic admission are available and can be downloaded from the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation website (http://www.tgslc.org/tgslc/press/press990831.htm). Other requirements of the new legislation are:
- A requirement that each high school counselor and class advisor be provided a detailed explanation of the substance of the top 10% rule, as contained in TEC § 51.803, so that they are
able to explain to and counsel eligible students.
- There is also to be written notification provided to each eligible senior student, at the commencement of a class's senior year, with a detailed explanation of TEC § 51.803, notifying them of the student's eligibility.
The Agency will be able to assist you with any questions you have regarding this legislation. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Tom Cowan in Governmental Relations
(512)463-9283. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jim Nelson
Commissioner of Education
For further information on this topic, contact Tom Cowan in Governmental Relations (512)463-9283.