P-16 Initiatives
Several initiatives are in place across the Alamo Colleges that partner public education, the community colleges, and 4-year institutions. These include:
- Dual Credit/Enrollment
High School students who meet eligibility requirements can earn college credit for certain high school courses in which they are currently enrolled while completing their high school requirements. Additional information is available in the e-Catalog Admissions section on each college website.
- College Connection Program
The colleges partner with many of the local independent school districts to ensure that high school seniors are admitted to the college prior to graduation. Additional information is available through the Enrollment Services/Admission and Records Office at each college.
- Tech-Prep Program
High school students engage in academic and technical study that supports the transition from high school to postsecondary education because of the sequential progression of course work developed cooperatively by schools and employers. Information on articulated programs available across area schools can be accessed at the Independent School Districts or Enrollment Services/Admission and Records Office at each college.
- Pathways Program
Through a partnership between the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and area ISDs, the Alamo Colleges, and the University of Texas at San Antonio, four discipline teams are actively engaged in dialogue using student results as they transition through the high school and higher education. The program is in the second year of collaborations with high school and college faculty reviewing students' progress.
- College Readiness Initiatives
The Texas College Readiness Standards were adopted by the THECB in January, 2008.
Texas College and Career Readiness Standards
Alamo Colleges' faculty members are participating in various initiatives to address the Standards.
- Major Legislation on College Readiness and P-16 Initiatives
The Texas Legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board have created opportunities for collaboration across educational levels through new and expanded programs such as dual enrollment, tech prep education, college readiness programs, and early college education programs. These can be reviewed at the following sites:
Texas Education Code References
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/?link=ED
College Credit Earned in High School §28.009
Early College Education Program §29.908
College Readiness Program §39.113
P-16 Councils §61.076
Tech-Prep Education §61.851
Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment §130.008
Texas Administrative Code (THECB)
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=B85D3904-DC5E-04B7-5D32B7A3DF36D853
- Chapter 4 Rules Applying to all Public Institutions of Higher Education in Texas
- Subchapter C Texas Success Initiative
- Subchapter D Dual Credit Partnerships Between Secondary Schools and Texas Public Colleges
- Subchapter G Early College High School and Middle Colleges
- Subchapter H P-16 College Readiness and Success
Texas Higher Education Data
Texas High School Graduates From FY 2008 Enrolled in Texas Public or Independent Higher Education Fall 2008
http://www.txhighereddata.org/Interactive/HSCollLink.cfm
- Texas P-16 Initiative Reference Information
Texas adopted a higher education plan and has taken action to focus the state on increasing enrollment and success in colleges and universities. The Alamo Colleges are responding to these goals through P-16 strategies across the colleges. Information on the state's plan and our strategies:
Closing the Gaps by 2015
The Alamo Colleges are responding to the state's master plan for higher education, Closing the Gaps by 2015. In October 2000, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board adopted the Texas higher education plan. Access the plan at:
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/index.cfm?objectid=858D2E7C-F5C8-97E9-0CDEB3037C1C2CA3
Closing the Gaps by 2015: Texas' Strategies for Improving Student Participation and Success
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/PDF/1669.PDF?CFID=23405&CFTOKEN=67105628
Closing the Gaps by 2015: 2009 Progress Report
http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/reports/PDF/1852.PDF?CFID=23405&CFTOKEN=67105628
P-16Plus Council of Greater Bexar County
In 2003, the Texas Legislature created the P-16 Council and in 2005, the Legislature modified and strengthened the P-16 statute, available Section 61.076 of the Education Code.
Dr. Bruce Leslie, Chancellor of the Alamo Colleges, is a member of the P-16Plus Council of Greater Bexar County. Additional information is available through Ms. Margaret Anderson, Executive Director of the P-16Plus Council, andersonmf@zachry.com.
Questions on the P-16 initiatives of the Alamo Colleges can be directed to Dr. Jo-Carol Fabianke, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Partnerships and Initiatives, jfabianke@alamo.edu.