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EDUCATION/TRAINING
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Universities that are within 100 miles of the
Entergy/Texas
Service Area
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Number of Students
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University of Texas
Austin
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49,738
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Texas A & M University
College Station
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45,377
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University of Houston
Houston
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34,329
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Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches
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11,756
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Baylor University,
Waco
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14,040
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Texas Southern University
Houston
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9,579
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Prairie View A & M
Prairie View
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7,198
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Rice University
Houston
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5,009
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Houston Baptist University
Houston
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2,143
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University of St. Thomas
Houston
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2,100
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A total of 141 institutions of higher education are located throughout Texas
with an enrollment of over 934,000. Texas ranks tenth among all states in the
amount of money expended on public education - more than one-third of state
and local budgets.
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36 public universities
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4 public university systems
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9 public health-related institutes
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37 independent universities
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72 public community colleges
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5 public technical colleges
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3 public colleges - all in our service territory
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2 independent junior college
Most universities in Texas accept either the ACT or SAT as entrance
requirement.
Vocational-Technical Schools
The Texas Department of Commerce contracts with local state-supported
secondary schools, junior or senior colleges or technical training
institutions to provide customized, industry-specific training to the new
employees of expanding or newly-located industries.
Public Schools
In Texas, public school districts are aligned in a variety of ways. Some
follow county boundaries; some city or town boundaries; and many follow
property or community boundaries, determined in the state as schools were
needed. Throughout the state, there are 1, 042 public districts. State law
requires that classrooms of grades K-4 have a maximum of 22 students. The size
of classrooms of the other grade levels is determined by the local district.
The majority of the school districts in the state participate in accreditation
programs of the Southern Association of Elementary and Secondary Schools which
covers 11 southern states.
Two state agencies, the Texas Education Agency and the University
Interscholastic League, give direction to all public school activities. These
two agencies are responsible to the State Board of Education, an elected
group, and the state legislature.
In Texas, the minimum requirements for high school graduation total 22 units.
Each student must have earned the following:
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English
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4 units
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Math
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3 units
|
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Science
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2 units
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Social Studies
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2.5 units
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Health & Physical Ed.
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2 units
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Economics
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.5 units
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Speech
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.5 units
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Technology
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1 unit
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Electives
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5.5 units
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Sci/Social Studies Elective
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1 unit
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There are also academic programs which also require 22 credits to graduate.
In addition to the required credits, all students must show proficiency on a
state wide minimum competency test (TAAS).
Special Education Schools
Lamar University Institute of Technology in Beaumont, Texas was the fastest
growing two-year college in Texas in the fall semester 1996. Its enrollment
was 1,613. Its programs include process operating technology, pre-dental
hygiene, instrumentation technology, office technology administration,
preradiologic technology, management development, machining technology,
welding, business and computer information systems, computer electronics and
robotic technology, and occupational safety.
Texas school policy requires that every student, regardless of handicap, be
allowed an education. As a result, there are special programs to address any
condition. Most are administered by local systems or regionally.
State-funded programs are also in place for gifted and talented students
through local systems and other special population groups.
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