ERIC Number: EJ899271
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0010-0889
EISSN: N/A
Realities and Myths of the Top 10 Percent Rule
Johnson, Troy
College and University, v85 n3 p59-61 Win 2010
Since its inception in Texas a baker's dozen years ago, educators look forward with every new legislative session to another round of discussion about the "top 10 percent rule," which guarantees admission to the state's public universities for these talented high school graduates. Originally passed as a way to increase enrollment of under-represented students at the state's two public national research universities, the law has drawn both praise and criticism: Praise for breaking down such barriers as test score bias or high school bias as when otherwise hard-working, ambitious, and motivated students were denied admission; criticism for blocking access by otherwise bright students not in the top 10 percent but who have exceptional test scores or top talent. Critics who argued successfully for changing the rule claim that the changes will increase access by students who previously were denied. However, those who praised the rule as it originally was written have fought changes, arguing that the very students intended to be provided access now will lose their opportunity to enroll. This article presents several myths that emerged from the 10 percent debate.
Descriptors: Research Universities, High School Graduates, Criticism, Access to Education, Admission Criteria, Equal Education, State Legislation, State Standards, Misconceptions, Educational Policy, Politics of Education, Competitive Selection
American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). One Dupont Circle NW Suite 520, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-293-9161; Fax: 202-872-8857; e-mail: pubs@aacrao.org; Web site: http://www.aacrao.org/publications/candu/index.cfm
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A