Texas Senate Bill SB1419

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to eliminating the automatic admission of students to certain public institutions of higher education and scholarships for certain students who qualify for automatic admission.

Impact

The bill modifies several sections of the Texas Education Code, which will affect the admissions processes of higher education institutions. By removing the automatic admission provision, it requires schools to evaluate applicants based on a wider range of criteria, broader than just class ranking. This includes taking into consideration factors like educational background, financial status, and personal achievements, potentially leading to a more holistic approach in admissions decisions. However, it may also lead to increased competitiveness for spots that previously would have been guaranteed.

Summary

SB1419 aims to eliminate the automatic admission policy for students graduating from high schools in Texas to certain public institutions of higher education. Under previous legislation, students who graduated in the top percentage of their class were automatically entitled to admission to state universities. This bill introduces a shift in admissions policy by removing that automatic pathway and establishing new criteria that take into account various factors such as academic performance and socioeconomic background.

Contention

The decision to eliminate automatic admissions has prompted discussions regarding fairness and access to education. Advocates for the bill argue that it promotes academic rigor and accountability, while opponents suggest that it could disadvantage students from under-resourced schools who may not have the same academic support as those from better-funded districts. The debate centers on whether the proposed criteria will be equitable and truly reflect a student's potential and capabilities in high-stakes educational environments.