Relating to the creation of an electronic platform and submission portal, known as My Texas Future, to facilitate public high school students' awareness of and application to institutions of higher education using the electronic common admission application form.

Contracts

• Student Information Systems (SIS): Districts must issue change orders to vendors (e.g., Skyward, PowerSchool, Frontline) immediately. Current systems likely lack the specific fields to capture the "Direct Admissions Opt-In" status required for THECB reporting.
• Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs): General Counsels must review existing DSAs with TEA and THECB. Ensure the scope of data transfer for "direct admissions" is clearly defined to prevent inadvertent FERPA violations caused by over-sharing data for students who have opted out.

Hiring/Training

• Counseling Staff: Academic counselors require training on the new graduation checklist. They must understand the "Direct Admissions Data Sharing" election is now a mandatory step for graduation, distinct from FAFSA completion.
• Registrars: Staff managing registration must be trained to deliver the mandatory annual notification to parents of students with 3+ credits or those finishing 1st semester of 9th grade.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• The Election Form: You must retain the signed "Opt-In/Opt-Out" form as part of the student’s permanent academic record (Category: Graduation Requirements).
• Parental Consent Logs: For students under 18 declining participation, you must document parental signature or a written authorization from a school counselor.
• Audit Trails: Maintain proof of delivery for the annual parental notification required by Section 61.0511(c) to satisfy potential TEA audits.

Fees & Costs

• IT Integration Costs: While the state anticipates costs, the Legislative Budget Board notes "indeterminate costs" for districts. Budget for SIS vendor fees related to custom field creation and API integrations for data export to THECB.