PART 2. TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY
CHAPTER 74. CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
SUBCHAPTER A. REQUIRED CURRICULUM
The State Board of Education (SBOE) adopts an amendment to §74.5, concerning the academic achievement record. The amendment is adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the March 3, 2023 issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 1214) and will not be republished. The adopted amendment adds a new requirement that a student who earns a diploma by satisfying the requirements of the Texas First Early High School Completion Program must have successful completion of the program indicated on the academic achievement record, or transcript.
REASONED JUSTIFICATION: The 87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, passed Senate Bill 1888, adding new Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0253, to establish the Texas First Early High School Completion Program. The Texas Education Agency, in coordination with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, is required to establish the program to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school. A student is entitled to early high school graduation under the Texas First Early High School Completion Program if the student meets the criteria established by rule by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Additionally, students who graduate under the program are considered to have earned the distinguished level of achievement and are eligible to receive a scholarship at participating institutions of higher education. The proposed amendment would require school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to indicate on a student's transcript completion of the Texas First Early High School Completion Program.
The SBOE approved the amendment for first reading and filing authorization at its February 3, 2023 meeting and for second reading and final adoption at its April 14, 2023 meeting.
In accordance with TEC, §7.102(f), the SBOE approved the amendment for adoption by a vote of two-thirds of its members to specify an effective date earlier than the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. The earlier effective date will allow districts to indicate successful completion of the Texas First Early High School Completion Program for students who meet the requirements during the current school year. The effective date is 20 days after filing as adopted with the Texas Register.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES: The public comment period on the proposal began March 3, 2023, and ended at 5:00 p.m. on April 7, 2023. The SBOE also provided an opportunity for registered oral and written comments at its April 2023 meeting in accordance with the SBOE board operating policies and procedures. Following is a summary of the public comments received and corresponding responses.
Comment. One counselor asked whether the increase in average daily attendance funding offsets the reduction from a district's foundation school program entitlement.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One counselor expressed concern that there needs to be more follow-up and clearer communication on how to implement the Texas First Early High School Completion Program.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One counselor expressed concern that the program requirements for the Texas First Early High School Completion Program do not appear to align with requirements to enroll in one of the participating universities because there is not a requirement for students to complete all State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness end-of-course tests and Algebra II.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One counselor asked what information is needed to ensure that students have enrolled at one of the participating universities.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One counselor asked about the reporting mechanisms for a student to enroll at one of the participating universities.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The amendment is adopted under Texas Education Code (TEC), §7.102(c)(13), which requires the State Board of Education to adopt transcript forms and standards for differentiating high school performance for purposes of reporting academic achievement under TEC, §28.025.
CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The amendment implements Texas Education Code, §7.102(c)(13).
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2023.
TRD-202301943
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Rulemaking
Texas Education Agency
Effective date: June 15, 2023
Proposal publication date March 3, 2023
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497
SUBCHAPTER A. MIDDLE SCHOOL
The State Board of Education (SBOE) adopts the repeal of §§127.1, 127.2, and 127.3 and new §127.2, concerning Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for career development and career and technical education. Repealed §§127.1, 127.2, and 127.3 are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the December 23, 2022 issue of the Texas Register (47 TexReg 8448) and will not be republished. New §127.2 is adopted with changes to the proposed text as published in the December 23, 2022 issue of the Texas Register (47 TexReg 8448) and will be republished. The adopted revisions repeal two existing middle school courses, add a new middle school course, and repeal implementation language that will no longer be relevant.
REASONED JUSTIFICATION: Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.016, requires each school district to ensure that at least once in Grade 7 or 8 each student receives instruction in high school, college, and career preparation. The instruction must include information regarding the creation of a high school personal graduation plan, the distinguished level of achievement, each endorsement, college readiness standards, and potential career choices and the education needed to enter those careers. School districts are permitted to provide the instruction as part of an existing career and technical education course designated by the SBOE as appropriate for that purpose.
At the request of a board member, the board approved replacing two existing courses with a single updated course in college and career investigation and preparation. New §127.2 will be available for districts to use in meeting the requirements of TEC, §28.016.
The implementation section for the subchapter has been repealed and new implementation language added to new §127.2 to align with the changes.
In response to public comment, the section title for new §127.2 was modified at adoption to be Career and College Exploration.
The SBOE approved the revisions for first reading and filing authorization at its November 18, 2022 meeting and for second reading and final adoption at its April 14, 2023 meeting.
In accordance with TEC, §7.102(f), the SBOE approved the revisions for adoption by a vote of two-thirds of its members to specify an effective date earlier than the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. The earlier effective date will allow all school districts, including districts of innovation, to implement the new course at the beginning of their school year. The effective date is August 1, 2023.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS AND RESPONSES: The public comment period on the proposal began December 23, 2022, and ended at 5:00 p.m. on January 27, 2023. The SBOE also provided an opportunity for registered oral and written comments at its January-February and April 2023 meetings in accordance with the SBOE board operating policies and procedures. Following is a summary of the public comments received and corresponding responses.
Comment. Five teachers, five counselors, and thirty-five administrators stated that the course title Flight Plans is confusing and does not clearly indicate the purpose or content of the course.
Response. The SBOE agrees and took action to amend the course title to Career and College Exploration.
Comment. One administrator asked if the proposed new course affects accountability.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One administrator stated that Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) coursework in their district aligns with and would fulfill the TEKS for the proposed new course.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One administrator asked if districts could use the innovative course General Employability Skills instead of the proposed new course.
Response. The SBOE provides the following clarification. TEC, §28.016, requires each school district to provide instruction in Grades 6-8 in preparing for high school, college, and career and identifies specific topics that must be addressed. General Employability Skills is a state-approved high school innovative course and would not meet the requirements of TEC, §28.016.
Comment. Four administrators stated that the proposed new course allows students to complete one year of career and technical education (CTE) credit while the two existing courses allow for students to complete up to two years.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and provides the following clarification. State credit is awarded for the successful completion of state-approved high school courses only. Middle school courses are not eligible for state credit. Additionally, the SBOE has indicated that students would be permitted to take the new Career and College Exploration course up to two times.
Comment. One counselor stated that the existing courses can be offered for one semester and have successfully been paired with one-half credit CTE high school courses such as Touch System Data Entry and Professional Communications in their district.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One administrator expressed concern that the proposal to replace the existing courses with a new Flight Plans course would create gaps in student schedules. The commenter stated that districts are able to use the two existing courses in all three middle school grades: sixth, seventh, and eighth.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that replacing the two current courses, Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness, with the proposed new course is appropriate. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to change the proposed course title from Flight Plans to Career and College Exploration.
Comment. One teacher and three administrators expressed concern that the proposed new Flight Plans course is a year-long course, whereas the current courses can be taught in a semester. The commenters stated that a year-long course does not provide flexibility for districts to build the curriculum in a way that meets scheduling demands.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and provides the following clarification. Local education agencies determine instructional time, such as whether a course is offered for a semester or full year. Additionally, the SBOE has indicated that students would be permitted to take the new Career and College Exploration course up to two times. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to change the proposed course title from Flight Plans to Career and College Exploration.
Comment. Three administrators stated that reducing the two existing courses, Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness, to one course will hurt opportunities for students to explore interests and high school programs of study available to them.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that the proposed new Career and College Exploration TEKS provide adequate opportunities for students to explore interests and high school programs of study available to them. Additionally, the SBOE has indicated that students would be permitted to take the new Career and College Exploration course up to two times.
Comment. One teacher and two administrators stated that the two existing courses, Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness, serve distinct purposes.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One teacher and one administrator stated that districts offer many multiple Investigating Careers classes with an emphasis on different career clusters.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One teacher and one administrator suggested that instead of replacing Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness, the proposed new Flight Plans course could be added to the two existing courses.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that replacing Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness with the proposed new course is appropriate. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to change the proposed course title from Flight Plans to Career and College Exploration.
Comment. Two teachers, eight administrators, and one community member stated the TEKS for the proposed new Flight Plans course are very similar to the two existing courses and suggested that the TEKS for the existing courses should be revised instead of creating a new course.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that replacing the two current courses, Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness, with the proposed new course is appropriate. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to change the proposed course title from Flight Plans to Career and College Exploration.
Comment. Two administrators stated the proposed new Flight Plans course is unnecessary because the existing College and Career Readiness course prepares students for high school career pathways.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that replacing the two current courses, Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness, with the proposed new course is appropriate and that the new course adequately prepares students for high school career pathways. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to change the proposed course title from Flight Plans to Career and College Exploration.
Comment. One teacher stated that instead of removing the existing Investigating Careers course, the TEKS for the course should be revised to include more opportunities for college and career skill development and field experiences.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that replacing the two current courses, Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness, with the proposed new Career and College Explorations course is appropriate.
Comment. One administrator stated there would be a financial impact on the state and districts because moving CTE principles courses down to middle school would require more formalized labs that do not currently exist in many middle schools without the funding these courses receive at the high school level.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One administrator suggested that the proposed new Flight Plans course be a high school course rather than offered at middle school so it can earn funding.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that the proposed new course is appropriate for middle school. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to retitle the proposed new course Career and College Exploration.
Comment. One teacher and one administrator asked if districts would receive funding for the proposed new Flight Plans course.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One counselor stated that students need to be prepared and have a path to take when reaching high school.
Response. The SBOE agrees and has determined that the new Career and College Exploration course will sufficiently prepare students to choose a path as they transition into high school.
Comment. One teacher, one counselor, and four administrators stated that the general requirements for the proposed new course should permit the course to be offered at Grade 6.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that the recommended grade levels, Grades 7 and 8, in the general requirements for the proposed new course are appropriate as proposed. The SBOE also provides the following clarification. The grade levels identified in the general requirements are a recommendation, and school districts may offer the proposed new Career and College Exploration course at any grade level in middle school.
Comment. One administrator stated that districts need more middle school options, not fewer options.
Response. The SBOE agrees that CTE options for middle school are beneficial to students. However, the SBOE disagrees that additional CTE TEKS for middle school are necessary and has determined that the proposed new course provides sufficient options for middle school.
Comment. One administrator suggested incorporating military academies in the TEKS for the proposed new Flight Plans course.
Response. The SBOE disagrees that the suggestion to add military academies is necessary and has determined that the TEKS for the proposed new course sufficiently address college, career, and military readiness as proposed. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to retitle the proposed new course Career and College Exploration.
Comment. One administrator asked whether students who have already developed their personal graduation plans in Grade 8 would still be required to take the proposed new Flight Plans course.
Response. The SBOE provides the following clarification. Students are not required to take the new course. TEC, §28.016, requires each school district to provide instruction in Grades 6-8 in preparing for high school, college, and career and identifies specific topics that must be addressed. School districts may meet this requirement in a variety of ways, including by offering instruction in the new course or through locally developed courses. Additionally, there is nothing in law or rule that would prohibit school districts from modifying or updating a student's personal graduation plan at any time. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to change the proposed course title from Flight Plans to Career and College Exploration.
Comment. One administrator stated that the implementation date of August 2023 would be problematic for districts because it does not allow time for changes needed to incorporate the proposed new course. The commenter suggested that the course be implemented no earlier than August 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that implementation of the proposed new course beginning with the 2023-2024 school year is appropriate as proposed.
Comment. One administrator stated that districts need updates about the proposed new Flight Plans course prior to March 2023 to have time to plan for the upcoming year.
Response. This comment is outside the scope of the proposed rulemaking.
Comment. One administrator stated that the Texas Education Agency suggested several years ago that high school courses be introduced in middle school so students could start programs of study earlier to enable students to take more advanced CTE courses once in high school. The commenter expressed concern that the proposed new Flight Plans course contradicts that suggestion.
Response. The SBOE disagrees and has determined that the proposed new course would not impact districts' ability to offer high school courses at earlier grade levels. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to change the proposed course title from Flight Plans to Career and College Exploration.
Comment. One administrator asked how the proposed new Flight Plans course would be enforced.
Response. The SBOE provides the following clarification. TEC, §28.016, requires each school district to provide instruction in Grades 6-8 in preparing for high school, college, and career and identifies specific topics that must be addressed. Districts may meet this requirement in a variety of ways, including by offering instruction in the new course or through locally developed courses. It is the responsibility of the local board of trustees to ensure that districts are in compliance with all laws and rules. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to retitle the proposed new course Career and College Exploration.
Comment. One administrator asked if the proposed new Flight Plans course would be mandatory.
Response. The SBOE provides the following clarification. TEC, §28.016, requires each school district to provide instruction in Grades 6-8 in preparing for high school, college, and career and identifies specific topics that must be addressed. Districts may meet this requirement in a variety of ways, including by offering instruction in the new course or through locally developed courses. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to retitle the proposed new course Career and College Exploration.
Comment. One teacher expressed support for the proposed Flight Plans course. The commenter explained that the TEKS for Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness are so closely aligned it is redundant for students to take both courses.
Response. The SBOE agrees and has determined that replacing the existing courses, Investigating Careers and College and Career Readiness, with a single course is appropriate. In response to other comments, the SBOE took action to retitle the proposed new course Career and College Exploration.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The repeals are adopted under Texas Education Code (TEC), §7.102(c)(4), which requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to establish curriculum and graduation requirements; TEC, §28.002(a), which identifies the subjects of the required curriculum; TEC, §28.002(c), which requires the SBOE to identify by rule the essential knowledge and skills of each subject in the required curriculum that all students should be able to demonstrate and that will be used in evaluating instructional materials and addressed on the state assessment instruments; and TEC, §28.016, which requires each school district to ensure that at least once in Grade 7 or 8 each student receives instruction in high school, college, and career preparation. TEC, §28.016(c)(2), permits school districts to provide the instruction as part of an existing career and technical education course designated by the SBOE as appropriate for that purpose.
CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The repeals implement Texas Education Code, §§7.102(c)(4), 28.002(a) and (c), and 28.016.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2023.
TRD-202301944
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Rulemaking
Texas Education Agency
Effective date: August 1, 2023
Proposal publication date: December 23, 2022
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The new section is adopted under Texas Education Code (TEC), §7.102(c)(4), which requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to establish curriculum and graduation requirements; TEC, §28.002(a), which identifies the subjects of the required curriculum; TEC, §28.002(c), which requires the SBOE to identify by rule the essential knowledge and skills of each subject in the required curriculum that all students should be able to demonstrate and that will be used in evaluating instructional materials and addressed on the state assessment instruments; and TEC, §28.016, which requires each school district to ensure that at least once in Grade 7 or 8 each student receives instruction in high school, college, and career preparation. TEC, §28.016(c)(2), permits school districts to provide the instruction as part of an existing career and technical education course designated by the SBOE as appropriate for that purpose.
CROSS REFERENCE TO STATUTE. The new section implements Texas Education Code, §§7.102(c)(4), 28.002(a) and (c), and 28.016.
§127.2.Career and College Exploration.
(a) Implementation. The provisions of this section shall be implemented by school districts beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.
(b) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 7 and 8.
(c) Introduction.
(1) Career and technical education (CTE) instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.
(2) Career development is a lifelong pursuit of answers to the questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What am I meant to do with my life? Will my desired career path provide a self-sufficient wage? What occupations are in the highest demand that align to my values and interests? It is vital that students have a clear sense of direction for their career choice. Education and career planning is a critical step and is essential to success.
(3) The career development process is unique to every person and evolves throughout one's life. In Flight Plans, students use decision-making and problem-solving skills for individual career and academic planning. Students explore valid, reliable educational and career information to learn more about themselves and their interests and abilities. Students integrate skills from academic subjects, information technology, and interpersonal communication to make informed decisions. This course is designed to guide students through the process of investigating and developing a college and career readiness flight plan. Students use aptitude and interest inventory assessments, software, or other tools available to explore college and career areas of personal interest. Students use this information to explore a variety of career paths, especially those in demand, and begin mapping their anticipated secondary coursework and potential postsecondary experiences that are in alignment with their goals.
(4) The goal of this course is to help students build career awareness and engage in deep exploration and study of the Texas CTE career clusters to create a foundation for success in high school, possible postsecondary studies, and careers. Students research labor market information, learn job-seeking skills, and create documents required for employment.
(5) Students are encouraged to explore and participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.
(6) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.
(d) Knowledge and skills.
(1) The student takes one or more career interest surveys, aptitude tests, or career assessments and explores various college and career options. The student is expected to:
(A) analyze and discuss the initial results of the assessments;
(B) explore and describe the CTE career clusters;
(C) identify various career opportunities within one or more career clusters; and
(D) research and evaluate emerging occupations related to career interest areas.
(2) The student investigates educational and training requirements for career and education pathways in one or more of the career clusters. The student is expected to:
(A) research and describe applicable academic, technical, certification, and training requirements for one or more of the careers in an identified career cluster; and
(B) use available resources to research and evaluate educational and training options for one or more of the careers in an identified career cluster.
(3) The student analyzes educational and career opportunities. The student is expected to:
(A) describe academic requirements for transitioning from middle school to high school and from high school to career or postsecondary education;
(B) explore and list opportunities for earning college credit in high school such as Advanced Placement examinations, International Baccalaureate examinations, dual credit courses, and local and statewide articulated credit courses;
(C) investigate and describe various methods available to pay for college and other postsecondary training, including financial aid, scholarships, college savings, employee benefits, and other sources of income;
(D) discuss the impact of effective college and career planning;
(E) identify how performance on assessments such as the PSAT/NMSQT®, SAT®, ACT®, ASVAB®, and Texas Success Initiative (TSI®) impact personal academic and career goals;
(F) investigate and describe the importance of co-curricular, extracurricular, career preparation, and extended learning experiences in developing college applications or resumes;
(G) investigate and report on the steps required to participate or enroll in a variety of career and educational opportunities, including entry-level employment, military service, apprenticeships, community and technical colleges, and universities, as applicable to the career;
(H) identify professional associations affiliated with a particular career pathway; and
(I) define entrepreneurship and identify entrepreneurial opportunities within a field of personal interest.
(4) The student develops skills for personal success. The student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate effective time-management and goal-setting strategies;
(B) identify skills that can be transferable among a variety of careers;
(C) give oral professional presentations on a topic related to career and college exploration using appropriate technology;
(D) apply core academic skills to meet personal, academic, and career goals;
(E) explain the value of community service and volunteerism; and
(F) define and identify examples in the workplace of characteristics required for personal and professional success such as work ethic, integrity, dedication, and perseverance.
(5) The student investigates labor market information and recognizes the impact of college and career choices on personal lifestyle. The student is expected to:
(A) analyze labor market trends related to a career of interest;
(B) classify evidence of high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand occupations based on analysis of labor market information;
(C) analyze the effects of changing employment trends, societal needs, and economic conditions on career choices;
(D) prepare a personal budget reflecting the student's desired lifestyle; and
(E) use resources to compare salaries of at least three careers in the student's interest area.
(6) The student investigates job-seeking skills. The student is expected to:
(A) identify the steps of an effective job search;
(B) describe appropriate appearance for an interview; and
(C) participate in a mock interview.
(7) The student creates professional documents required for employment. The student is expected to:
(A) write a resume;
(B) write appropriate business correspondence such as a cover letter and a thank you letter;
(C) complete sample job applications; and
(D) explain protocol for selecting and using references.
(8) The student creates an individual career and academic plan. The student is expected to:
(A) select a career pathway in a desired field, such as military service, entrepreneurship, or industry;
(B) document high school courses and postsecondary educational requirements for that career pathway; and
(C) write a plan for starting one's career after the completion of high school and any post-secondary education.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on May 26, 2023.
TRD-202301945
Cristina De La Fuente-Valadez
Director, Rulemaking
Texas Education Agency
Effective date: August 1, 2023
Proposal publication date: December 23, 2022
For further information, please call: (512) 475-1497