79R1603 PAM-D


By:  Dukes                                                        H.B. No. 328



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to promoting the importance of higher education in public 
schools. 
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter Z, Chapter 29, Education Code, is 
amended by adding Section 29.913 to read as follows:
	Sec. 29.913.  "EDUCATION.  GO GET IT" WEEK.  (a)  To educate 
middle school, junior high school, and high school students about 
the importance of higher education, each school district and each 
open-enrollment charter school offering those grades shall 
designate one week during the school year as "Education. Go Get It" 
Week.
	(b)  During the designated week, each middle school, junior 
high school, and high school shall provide students with 
comprehensive grade-appropriate information regarding the pursuit 
of higher education.  The information provided must include 
information regarding:
		(1)  higher education options available to students;                   
		(2)  standard admission requirements for institutions 
of higher education, including:
			(A)  overall high school grade point average;                         
			(B)  required curriculum; and                                         
			(C)  scores necessary on generally recognized 
tests or assessments used in admissions determinations, including 
the Scholastic Assessment Test and the American College Test;
		(3)  automatic admission of certain students to general 
academic teaching institutions as provided by Section 51.803; and
		(4)  financial aid availability and requirements, 
including the financial aid information provided by counselors 
under Section 33.007(b).
	(c)  In addition to the information provided under 
Subsection (b), each middle school, junior high school, and high 
school shall provide to the students during the designated week at 
least one public speaker to promote the importance of higher 
education.
	SECTION 2.  This Act applies beginning with the 2005-2006 
school year.       
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2005.