The Texas Education Agency released the 2020-2021 Statewide CTE programs of study on the CTE Webpage.
The Division of College, Career, and Military Preparation met with CTE stakeholders across Texas to collect feedback on the proposed statewide programs of study during the listening tour and through the public comment process. Public comment on the proposed statewide programs of study was open from June 3rd through July 16th and approximately 1,000 responses were submitted. These responses were analyzed by TEA staff and updates to the statewide programs of study were made based upon this feedback. Stakeholders will see revisions such as adding Technology Applications courses to the sequences and keeping the STEM career cluster as two of the larger changes made to the final programs of study.
The course sequences within each program of study will be used to report CTE concentrators and CTE completers using the definitions below:
- The new federal definition for a CTE concentrator, as outlined in Perkins V, is the completion of two courses (for two or more credits) within a program of study
- The definition for a CTE completer is the completion of three or more courses for four or more credits including one advanced course (level three or level four course) within a program of study
Flexibility exists for districts in the sequencing of the courses included within a program of study:
- The levels indicated in the programs of study are recommendations based on course alignment
- Example: A district may offer a level two course as the first course in a sequence as long as required prerequisites are followed
- Courses identified as level three and level four courses are considered advanced courses
- Example: A district may offer a level three course as the second course in the sequence and it will still count as an advanced course
Perkins funds can be used to support courses included in statewide or approved regional programs of study. CTE weighted funding can be used to support all CTE courses whether or not the course is included in an approved program of study.
Districts may apply for a state approved regional program of study through an application process located on the CTE Webpage.
The regional application process will follow the timeline below:
- Phase 1: Districts declare intent to submit an application (deadline 9/19/2019)
- Districts will receive an email from their ESC CTE Specialist with instructions on the process
- Phase 2: TEA provides the application process and labor market data to districts that complete phase 1 (9/30/2019)
- Phase 3: Districts complete application in collaboration with workforce partners (deadline 11/1/2019)
- Phase 4: Final Approval (12/1/2019)
If you have additional questions regarding programs of study, contact Ryan Merritt at ryan.merritt@tea.texas.gov.