Texas Scholars History
In 1989, recognizing the many challenges facing Texas’ students and employers, business and education leaders established the Texas Business and Education Coalition to influence the direction of state education policy, improve student performance, and address the educational challenges associated with preparing a diverse student population for highly skilled careers and jobs in a global economy.
The success of Longview’s Globe Scholars program prompted TBEC’s Board of Directors in 1992 to establish the Texas Scholars program as its primary community outreach activity.
In 1993, the Texas State Board of Education, with the direct involvement and support from TBEC, established the Recommended High School Program (RHSP), a rigorous course of study based on TBEC’s requirements for Texas Scholar recognition. The program gained national attention in 2002 when US Secretary of Education, Rod Paige spearheaded the creation of the Center for State Scholars. In 2004, by an act of the Texas Legislature, the RHSP became the default course of study for all entering high school freshmen. The Scholars program received additional recognition when it was featured as one of the 10 most promising ideas for high school improvement at the 2005 National Governors’ Association conference.
After the adoption of the RHSP as the default course of study by the legislature, the Texas Business and Education Coalition established a Blue Ribbon Committee to determine if the program should end or take a new direction. As a result of recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Committee, the Texas Scholars: High School and Beyond initiative was established.
The new Texas Scholars: High School and Beyond initiative continues to encourage students to complete the RHSP; however, a new requirement has been added to encourage students to complete at least two courses eligible for college credit while in high school. For students entering the 9th grade in 2007-08, the RHSP graduation requirements have been increased to include four years of mathematics and four years of science.
