(a) A person who is at least 18 years of age and not more than 50 years of age is eligible to enroll in an adult education program operated under a charter granted under this subchapter if the person:
(1) has failed to complete the curriculum requirements for high school graduation; or
(2) has failed to perform satisfactorily on an assessment instrument required for high school graduation.
(b) In admitting students to an adult education program operated under a charter granted under this subchapter, an eligible entity shall give priority to a person who has not earned a high school equivalency certificate.