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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about AchieveTexas
"Students can succeed in school, career, and life if they plan their own individual programs of study for secondary and postsecondary education."
How does AchieveTexas impact local control, decision making?
Generally, cluster systems are built by working groups or partnerships representing education, employers, and other community stakeholders. In your community, implementing a cluster system may require formal approval by the school board, superintendent, or site-based decision-making committee. It’s up to your community as to how ambitious the local implementation of AchieveTexas becomes.
Do all 16 clusters have to be implemented in every school?
Local districts are free to choose which clusters to implement based on the needs of the students, community, and local economy. Not all schools will be able to offer all clusters, but the goal should be to use advanced technology to give students a sample of each career and targeted industry cluster and enhance their opportunities for high-demand, high-growth, high-skill, or high-wage occupations. Currently, the Texas Administrative Code §74.3 Description of a Required Secondary Curriculum states that a district must provide career and technical education courses selected from at least three of the eight (sixteen) career and technical areas (clusters) taught on a campus in the school district with provisions for contracting for additional offerings with programs or institutions as may be practical.
Why should small districts implement AchieveTexas?
AchieveTexas is good for all students, whether from large or small districts. It embraces the idea that connecting what a student learns in school today with what he or she wants to do for a living tomorrow increases motivation to learn. The only chance our children have of staying ahead of the competition is if our schools make it a priority to keep up with the developments in the world and truly prepare each graduate for lifelong learning.
How should a district begin the implementation process?
The first step to implementing AchieveTexas is to make a commitment to embrace the cluster system as an essential education strategy in your community. Establish working groups or partnerships representing education, employers, and other community stakeholders. It is critical during the early stages of system redesign to establish buy-in from all stakeholders. This is best achieved by making them part of the process of system design. Recruit leaders who are passionate about improving education and who understand the benefits of the pathways system. In the beginning, choose co-chairs from education and business.
How will the clusters impact specific Career and Technical Education program areas?
AchieveTexas redesigns the way career and technical education is organized in Texas. The system moves 6 program areas to 16 career clusters. A cluster may consist of courses from various program areas.
Are plans adaptable for the Distinguished Achievement Graduation Plan (DAP)?
Yes. Many of the programs of study models are based on the requirements of the DAP, and all others can be easily adapted.
How will AchieveTexas affect special education students?
AchieveTexas can benefit every student. It embraces the idea that connecting what a student learns in school today with what he or she wants to do for a living tomorrow increases motivation to learn. The system creates a very different experience for students, one that is far more engaging and motivating. Students will graduate with a much clearer plan for their career goals and be better prepared for postsecondary education and employment.
How should local districts get buy-in from counselors, administrators, teachers, and parents?
One of the most important elements of early system building is strong leadership. For your partnership or working group, recruit leaders who are passionate about improving education and who understand the benefits of the cluster system. Buy-in from all stakeholders is best achieved by making them part of the process of system design.
Is funding tied to implementation of AchieveTexas?
Districts that accept Perkins funds must offer Programs of Study which is the Perkins name for the National Career Clusters/Programs of Study or AchieveTexas.
How should the local districts establish articulation agreements?
Districts interested in pursuing articulation agreements with postsecondary institutions have two options: College Tech Prep www.techpreptexas.org or Advanced Technical Credit Program www.atctexas.org. Both programs allow students the opportunity to earn college credit in high school through content-enhanced articulated courses.
What is the Texas Achievement Plan (TAP)? When will the TAP be available?
A TAP is a plan for college and career. The TAP should be reviewed at least once each year and changes should be made based on the student’s career goals. No plan is set in stone and the student will be completely free to change the path. This should be done under the guidance of parents/guardians, counselors, and teachers. Many schools already require graduation plans for students. Your version of the Texas Achievement Plan could be an improved version of existing documents or electronic versions.
How will AchieveTexas affect teacher certification?
Initially, AchieveTexas will not affect teacher certification. Teacher certification is tied to course PEIMS numbers, which have not changed. After the TEKS are revised, there will be an opportunity to align certification to clusters.
Can we reproduce AchieveTexas materials locally?
Yes. Districts are encouraged to reproduce AchieveTexas materials for use in implementing the new cluster system.
Texas's Career Clusters
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