(a) The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to administer the P-TECH program, including rules to ensure a student participating in the program is not considered for accountability purposes to have dropped out of high school or failed to complete the curriculum requirements for high school graduation until after the sixth anniversary of the date of the student's first day in high school. The rules may provide for giving preference in receiving program benefits to a student who is in the first generation of the student's family to attend college and may establish other distinctions or criteria based on student need.
(b) The commissioner shall consult the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in administering the program. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board may adopt rules as necessary to exercise its powers and duties under this subchapter.